can help you avoid getting overwhelmed.
At a Glance
Assertive communication is all about stating your needs clearly but respectfully.
By being assertive, you let others know where you stand while also acknowledging their position.
Klaus Vedfelt / The Image Bank
you might become more assertive by being honest, avoiding judgment, and focusing on your feelings.
What Kind of Communicator Are You?
Benefits of Assertive Communication
There are many benefits to assertive communication.
This helps you have what you need in relationships while allowing your loved ones to meet their needs.
Although many people equate assertive communication with conflict and confrontation, assertiveness actually allows people to be closer.
Communicating assertively can also have important benefits in the workplace.
It can also help health professionals convey their exptise to patients without causing them to feel belittled or dismissed.
Assertive vs.
Passive Communication
While assertive communication might sound simple on the surface, it does take practice.
Many people mistake assertiveness for aggressiveness, butassertiveness is actually the balanced middle groundbetween aggressiveness and passivity.
Passivityleads to stress and resentment,and sometimes even lashing out in the end.
Assertive behavior in men is often viewed as decisive and leader-like.
In women, assertiveness is more likely to be perceived as domineering or aggressive.
Click below to listen now.
“Assertive communication: “We were supposed to meet at 11:30, but now its 11:50.”
Dont assume you know what the other persons motives are, especially if you think theyre negative.
The same is true for describing the effects of their behavior.
Body languageand tone of voice matter in assertive communication.
Let yours reflect your confidence: Stand up straight, maintain eye contact, and relax.
Use a firm but pleasant tone.
Also, it shows more ownership of your reactions and less blame.
When in a discussion, dont forget to listen and ask questions.
Its important to understand the other persons point of view.
For example: “When you yell, I feel attacked.”
List behavior, results, and feelings.
For example: “When you arrive late, I have to wait, and I feel frustrated.”
It can be helpful to look for a middle ground.
In the case of the always-late friend, maybe a different meeting place would help them be on time.
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