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Assertive Communication

Posted on October 12th, 2020

Assertive Communication

Communicate with confidence, clarity and respect - even in difficult situations.

Communicate Assertively with Impact

Assertive communication is about expressing yourself clearly and confidently, while respecting others. It’s a key skill for building trust, reducing conflict and increasing personal effectiveness.

This programme helps you develop the mindset and techniques to communicate more assertively in a range of professional situations. You’ll learn how to say no without damaging relationships, handle difficult conversations and present your views with confidence.

Through practical exercises, role-plays and feedback, you’ll build the confidence to speak up and influence positively — even under pressure.

To see how this course complements our wider presentation and communication programmes, visit our Presentation Skills Training page.

“It was really punchy and informative. It really challenged me and encouraged me to identify my areas of improvement and different behavioural styles.” – JP, Customer Services/Sales, Southern Salads Ltd

Assertive communication is about expressing yourself clearly and confidently, while respecting others. It’s a key skill for building trust, reducing conflict and increasing personal effectiveness.

This programme helps you develop the mindset and techniques to communicate more assertively in a range of professional situations. You’ll learn how to say no without damaging relationships, handle difficult conversations and present your views with confidence.

Through practical exercises, role-plays and feedback, you’ll build the confidence to speak up and influence positively — even under pressure.

What You’ll Learn

At the end of the assertive communication course participants will:

  • Understand the principles and benefits of assertive communication.
  • Know how to improve their personal effectiveness when communicating in everyday situations.
  • Be able to project a more confident, open and competent image.
  • Know how to reduce conflict in difficult situations

  • What is assertiveness? Why is it so important? What prevents people from being assertive?
  • How to ask for what you want. The link between influencing skills and assertiveness. When not to be assertive.
  • How to recognise aggressive, assertive and non-assertive behaviour.
  • How to use assertive communication in meetings.
  • 9 Assertiveness techniques. How to say the right thing at the right time.
  • How to say ‘no’ in a way that people respect.
  • How to handle conflict.
  • How to give and receive feedback/criticism/praise.
  • How to strike the balance between being ‘too nice’ and coming on ‘too strong’.
  • How to manage and control your inner dialogue.
  • How to use body language and voice control.
  • How to deal with aggressive behaviour. Managing the put down.
  • How to keep people working with you, not against you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about the Assertive Communication programme.

A practical and engaging workshop designed to help you communicate more clearly, confidently and respectfully — in one-to-one, team and customer situations.

Anyone who wants to become more assertive at work — whether that’s speaking up in meetings, setting boundaries, managing conflict or influencing colleagues.

You’ll learn how to:

  • Communicate assertively, not aggressively or passively
  • Express your views clearly and constructively
  • Handle difficult conversations and criticism
  • Say no or set limits respectfully
  • Manage emotions and stay composed under pressure
  • Build stronger relationships through open, honest communication

We use the Skill+Will™ approach: assertiveness requires both communication techniques (skill) and the mindset and confidence (will) to use them. This programme develops both.

Delivered on request, either in person or virtually, with tailored examples and role-plays relevant to your organisation.

Yes. We can adapt content and scenarios to your team’s real communication challenges. Find out more on our tailored solutions page.

As this is a bespoke in-company programme, it can be delivered for groups of up to 12 participants to ensure interaction, discussion and effective coaching.

Experienced LDL consultants with deep expertise in interpersonal communication and behavioural skills.

What Participants Say
“The tutor made the course extremely interesting and engaging, applying research and theory to real life situations, making it practical and I went away believing I could make some positive changes. She also made it fun and enjoyable, therefore making it easier to learn!”
– JH, Business Intelligence Developer, Nokia UK Ltd
“Brilliant structure to the day, very interactive to keep everyone engaged… Personable trainer, with great real life examples and techniques you can actually go away and put into practice.”
– SB, Business Analyst, Acumen Commercial Insights
“Engaging, passionate, lots of opportunity for discussion without straying away from the core focus. Excellent.”
– DG, Head of Marketing, Eclipse
“Helped identify my barriers and find a technique to overcome it. Useful tools and processes that can be used straight away in my work and personal life.”
– CS, Sales Manager, Telesoft Technologies
“It made me think of how I may be perceived by others and how being assertive can change this. It also highlighted my flaws and what I can do from moving from a passive to an assertive individual. More so, this is not only a working skill – it is a life skill.”
– JH, Associate Consultant, Thomsons Online Benefits
“Deborah has helped me to understand that it is OK to say ‘no’, with a reason. It’s also good to manage expectations so that we all know where we stand.”
– AD, Learning and Development Coordinator, NHBL
Want to tailor this programme?
IN-COMPANY ENQUIRY

Tailored for Your Business

This programme is created exclusively for your organisation — customised in content, format and delivery to match your culture, your people and your objectives.

Get in touch to arrange a no-obligation discussion. We’ll explore your communication challenges, design the right approach and schedule delivery at a time and place that suits you.

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