Assertive Communication

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.

“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

“Engaging, passionate, lots of opportunity for discussion without straying away from the core focus. Excellent.” – DG, Head of Marketing, Eclipse

“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

“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

“Overcame everything that was agreed as weaknesses between me and my boss and helped me to gain confidence in being assertive.” – RT, Product Specialist, Euroimmun UK Ltd

“Deborah was fab – really good at articulating ideas, concepts and advice, and helping me get to the root of my concerns/questions.” – TR, Senior Account Manager, PFPR Communications

“Deborah was a fantastic course leader – entertaining, engaging, informative and to the point. Nice to soak up some of her style. The four square quadrant was helpful to orient myself.” – TH, Copywriter, Akros Design

“Really enjoyed the course! The challenges I am experiencing seem easy to handle right now. Deborah explained everything really well and the examples she gave me made me think of my own job. So helpful!” – RA, Training and Support Manager, Euroimmun UK

“I felt like I learnt things without feeling like I was being taught!” – SE, Sales Rep, A. Menarini Diagnostics

“Delivery was sensational, really felt engaged and grasped my attention” – WE, Business Development Consultant, Encore