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Assertiveness (English)

Lecture on Assertiveness.

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21 views13 pages

Assertiveness (English)

Lecture on Assertiveness.

Uploaded by

Isira
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PPTX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Assertiveness

for
Work & Life
Activity 1

You are standing in line to buy food at


the canteen.You see another student
jumping the queue. What would you do
in this situation?
Intention is key!
Assertiveness

▪ Assertiveness is a social skill that relies heavily on effective


communication while simultaneously respecting the thoughts
and wishes of others.

▪ Assertiveness is the ability to stand up for what you believe in


while staying calm and positive. You also do this while
respecting the rights of others.

▪ Assertive communication is the ability to express positive and


negative ideas and feelings in an open, honest and direct way.
Why is Assertive Communication Important?

‣ We recognize our rights whilst still respecting the rights


of others.

‣ It allows us to take responsibility for ourselves and our


actions without judging or blaming other people.

‣ And it allows us to constructively confront and find a


mutually satisfying solution where conflict exists.

‣ From a cognitive standpoint, assertive people experience


fewer anxious thoughts, even when under stress.
Why are Some People NOT Assertive?

‣ Low self-esteem and self-


confidence
‣ Past experiences
‣ Personality traits
‣ Social roles
‣ Stress
Any Drawbacks?

‣ It involves the risk that others may not


understand this style of communication- cultural
differences.

‣ Others may not approve of this style of


communication, or may not approve of the
views you express.

‣ Also, having a healthy regard for another


person's rights means that you won't always get
what YOU want.
Assertive Communication
Assertive Communication:

‣ Timing
Knowledge
‣ Content
‣ Eye contact Attitudes
‣ Body language
How to Be More Assertive?

‣ Pay attention to what you think, feel, want, and prefer


‣ Observe your typical/ everyday communication style
‣ Find a role model who's good at being assertive
‣ Learn to use “I” statements
‣ Take accountability
‣ Learn to say “No”
Why is it difficult to say ‘No’?

‣ They won’t take any notice if I say no.

‣ If I say no, they may feel hurt or rejected.

‣ I can’t say no, because I feel sorry for them.

‣ If I say no this time, they may never ask again.

‣ If I say no this time, they may not like me anymore.

‣ They would say ‘yes’ to me (and so I will feel guilty if I


refuse them
Learn to say “NO”

‣ Reason:
"I can't this time. Sorry to disappoint you, but I have
too many things to do that day, and there's no room in
my schedule.”

‣ Reflection:
“I know you’re looking forward to a walk this afternoon
but I can’t come”

‣ Rain check:
“I can't have lunch with you today, but I could make it
sometime next week”.
Thank You
Vinthiya Balachandran
B.A. (Hons.) Psychology, PDN
M.S. Ed. School Psychology, USA
Senior Lecturer, University of Peradeniya

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