Assertive Communication Skills (2 days)

Do you ever find yourself saying “Why are people always walking all over me?” or “I should have handled that better”? Then this workshop is for you!

A highly interactive program which includes a series of skills practice sessions designed to equip participants with the ability to express their thoughts, feelings, ideas and needs in a positive and more authentic manner, while respecting the rights of others to do the same. Participants will assess their current patterns of behaviour, then learn how to achieve assertive communication.

Who should attend

Staff who want to communicate their needs and manage conflict more effectively.

Learning objectives

• Recognise your own dominant style of behaviour.
• Understand the impact of self-esteem on assertive communication.
• Identify the difference between assertive, aggressive and passive behaviours.
• Clarify your own feelings and reactions and develop appropriate assertive responses.
• Identify the advantages and benefits of behaving and communicating assertively.
• Demonstrate the use of assertive techniques during practical exercises.
• Express criticism and praise in constructive ways.
• Identify alternative behaviours useful in resolving conflict.

Course outline

• Characteristics of different behaviour styles.
• Understanding your rights.
• Recognising your own and others' reactions and responses in difficult situations.
• Recognising one's habitual or most used style of behaviour.
• Dealing with aggressive or passive behaviour in others.
• Effective behavioural responses for different situations.
• Saying “no” comfortably and respectfully.
• Expressing criticism and praise constructively.
• Strategies for becoming more assertive.
• Techniques that result in effective communication.
• Building empathy and rapport.
• Solving problems.
• Developing self-confidence.

Course dates