Assertive communication strategies

In the next of our series on effective communication, we turn our attention to assertive communication. This topic comes up often in our coaching work and this is often coupled with a concern that being assertive = being aggressive.

Assertive communication involves expressing yourself in a clear, confident, and respectful manner while maintaining positive relationships with others. We think of this as maintaining a win-win approach to communication. In other words being neither passive (you win, I lose) or aggressive (I win, you lose). Here are 7 strategies to help you become a more assertive communicator:

1.     Speak up: Do not be afraid to express your thoughts and opinions. Speak clearly and confidently, using "I" statements to express your perspective.

2.     Practice active listening: Active listening is an essential component of assertive communication. Listen to others attentively and ask questions to ensure understanding. This ensures you maintain respect for the other person and don’t lose sight of their views or objectives.

3.     Use confident body language: Use confident body language, such as maintaining eye contact, standing up straight, and using gestures, to reinforce your message. This helps both to convey confidence to your listener and to help you to feel more confident.

4.     Learn to say "no": It is okay to say "no" politely and respectfully when necessary. Learn to say "no" without feeling guilty or apologising excessively.

5.     Be respectful: Being assertive does not mean being aggressive, disrespectful or rude. Be respectful of others' opinions and feelings, and express your message in a positive and constructive manner.

6.     Set boundaries: Setting clear boundaries can help you communicate your needs and expectations. Be clear and specific about your boundaries and communicate them in a positive and respectful manner.

7.     Practice role-playing: Practice assertive communication by role-playing scenarios with friends or colleagues. This can help you build confidence and develop effective communication skills.

Becoming a more assertive communicator takes practice and effort. By implementing these strategies, you can become a more confident and effective communicator while maintaining positive and constructive relationships with others.

If you would like to develop your communication effectiveness, get in touch to see how coaching can help you. e: enquiries@managingchange.org.uk