Assertiveness Skills - Assert Yourself with Confidence

BENEFITS


• Gain a deeper understanding of the impact non-verbal communication has on people
• Become more aware of your style of behaviour and its effect on others
• Identify the barriers to assertive behaviour and how they can be overcome
• Know how to express ideas and present information with authority and conviction
• Turn negative thoughts around and act constructively
• Learn how to say ‘no’, where appropriate
• Give and receive criticism constructively
• Know how to deal with challenging behaviour and emotions, such as frustration and anger effectively
• Project confidence in communicating with others

COURSE OUTLINE:

What is assertiveness?
• Explore the difference between assertive, aggressive and submissive behaviour
• The causes of aggressive and non-assertive behaviour
• What it means to be assertive – aiming for a win-win

Behavioural styles
• Identify your style – assertive, aggressive, accommodating or avoiding
• Unleashing the power of positive intention
• Know how to adapt your style to achieve effective results with clients and colleagues

Self-esteem and assertiveness
• How self-esteem and self-confidence are linked to assertive behaviour
• Ways to build and maintain self-esteem
• The self-esteem cycle

Managing inner dialogue
• How beliefs are formed, how they limit us, and how they’re expressed
• The ABCDE model – how to turn negative thoughts into positive ones
• How to build inner confidence

Body language and voice
• How voice tone affects the way people experience your behaviour
• Using clear, direct requests rather than hinting
• Power talk versus wimp talk
• Body language that conveys confidence

How to be assertive – practical techniques
• When, where and why being assertive is useful – in meetings, interviews, negotiations etc
• Stating your views and disagreeing with others
• Saying “no” without feeling guilty
• Listening, understanding and making requests without manipulation
• Dealing assertively with criticism and put-downs
• Giving bad news to a customer or colleague
• Disagreeing with the views of others
• Getting your point across in meetings
• Dealing assertively with senior people

Handling emotions and difficult behaviour
• How your emotional state impacts on others
• Techniques for handling emotions and being assertive in difficult situations
• How to handle being on the receiving end of aggressive or submissive behaviour