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What are key communication skills for assertiveness? · Wellbeing Solutions - Ask A Counsellor

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  SPEAKER_00: What are key communication skills for assertiveness?
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  SPEAKER_00: Assertive communication skills are the skills that help you express your thoughts, feelings, needs and boundaries clearly and respectfully while also respecting the rights and feelings of others.
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  SPEAKER_00: Being assertive means standing up for yourself without being aggressive or dismissing other people's needs.
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  SPEAKER_00: It helps you feel more confident, build healthier relationships and reduce stress.
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  SPEAKER_00: Use I statements.
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  SPEAKER_00: Express how you feel without blaming or criticizing others.
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  SPEAKER_00: So for example, you could say something like I feel overwhelmed when several tasks are given to me at once.
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  SPEAKER_00: Show active listening, listen carefully, avoid interrupting and show that you understand the other person's perspective.
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  SPEAKER_00: Set boundaries and communicate what you can and cannot accept in a calm way.
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  SPEAKER_00: Saying no confidently, recognizing that you can decline a request without a lengthy explanation or feeling obliged to please everyone.
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  SPEAKER_00: Use positive body language, an open posture, and a steady natural voice.
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  SPEAKER_00: You do not need to appear forceful to be assertive.
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  SPEAKER_00: Being clear and direct, say what you mean respectfully instead of hinting or expecting others to guess.
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  SPEAKER_00: Manage your emotions, pause, breathe, and give yourself time to respond when you feel anxious, angry or pressured.
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  SPEAKER_00: To be more assertive, pause before answering.
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  SPEAKER_00: Give yourself permission to think rather than automatically agreeing.
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  SPEAKER_00: Notice feelings of guilt.
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  SPEAKER_00: Feeling guilty after saying no does not mean that you have done something wrong.
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  SPEAKER_00: Remember, assertiveness is not about winning or controlling a conversation.
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  SPEAKER_00: It is about recognising that your feelings, needs and opinions matter just as much as those of other people.
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  SPEAKER_00: What can make assertiveness difficult is the fear of upsetting others, being rejected or feeling guilty.
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  SPEAKER_00: Learning to tolerate those uncomfortable feelings can be just as important as learning the words to say.
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  SPEAKER_00: If you are thinking of harming yourself or feel unsafe, please call your local emergency number or crisis line.