Assertiveness means expressing your point of view in a way that is clear and direct, while still respecting others. Show Communicating in an assertive manner can help you to:
Assertiveness is a style of communication which many people struggle to put into practice, often because of confusion around exactly what it means. Sometimes it helps to start by explaining what assertiveness is not. Aggressive communicationPeople often confuse assertiveness with aggression, because it involves sticking up for yourself. But the 2 are actually quite different.
For example, imagine you are standing in line at the bank and someone else pushes in front of you. An aggressive response could be to grab them by the shoulder and say loudly: “Hey! What makes you so important that you don’t have to wait in line like the rest of us?” This might make you feel better in the short term, but you will probably also spend the rest of the hour feeling annoyed about the interaction. Perhaps the other person will shout back at you and the situation will get even worse, really leaving you in a bad mood. A more assertive response could be to gently tap the person on the shoulder and say in a clear but respectful voice: “Excuse me; there is actually a line here. It would be better if you could wait your turn like the rest of us.” Chances are you will get a more positive response to this – perhaps the other person will apologise and move to the back of the line, or they may explain their reason for wanting to push in and you may feel happy to do them this favour. They may still respond badly – your assertiveness does not guarantee others will not be aggressive – but at least you will feel good knowing that you did your best and used assertive communication. Passive communicationAnother thing that assertiveness is not is passive communication. Passive communication is:
Passive communication can be damaging to your self-esteem, and also to relationships. If you use a passive communication style, others are more likely to ignore your needs, which may leave you feeling hurt or even angry with them for not treating you better. AssertivenessThink of assertiveness as the halfway point between passive and aggressive – just the right balance! Here are some tips for practicing being assertive:
Remember
This information provided byAcknowledgements Centre for Clinical Interventions (CCI) This publication is provided for education and information purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical care. Information about a therapy, service, product or treatment does not imply endorsement and is not intended to replace advice from your healthcare professional. Readers should note that over time currency and completeness of the information may change. All users should seek advice from a qualified healthcare professional for a diagnosis and answers to their medical questions. See also
What are the 3 components of assertive communication?What Are The 3 C's Of Assertive Communication? Confidence – you believe in your ability to handle a situation. Clear – the message you have is clear and easy to understand. Controlled – you deliver information in a calm and controlled manner.
What are the components of assertive communication?9 Characteristics of an Assertive Communication Style. Direct eye contact shows that the speaker is strong and not intimidated.. An assertive stance or posture with the right balance of strength and casualness. ... . Tone of voice. ... . Facial expression. ... . Timing. ... . Nonthreatening, non-blaming language. ... . Clarity. ... . Positive language.. What are 3 verbal cues of assertive communication?State your point of view or request clearly. Tell the other person how you feel as honestly as you can, and remember to listen to what they say as well. Think about the tone and volume of your voice – how you say it is as important as what you say.
What are the three assertive techniques?Assertive Body Language: Stand straight, steady, and directly face the people to whom you are speaking while maintaining eye contact. Speak in a clear, steady voice –loud enough for the people to whom you are speaking to hear you. Speak fluently, without hesitation, and with assurance and confidence.
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