Another word for standing up – is 'assertive.'  This is an essential skill that few people have mastered.  Some Communicators struggle with this particularly the Patient and Playful styles.  Why?  Because they fear offending people. 

How to be more assertive

Assertiveness is on a continuum between being passive and being aggressive.  Many of us get assertiveness confused with aggression but they are quite different.

Assertive behaviour sits between aggressive and passive behaviour. When some people are criticised, they say nothing or feel intimidated to speak up. This is the passive behaviour. In contrast, some people react strongly and emotionally, become angry and loud or even insulting. This is the aggressive behaviour.

In other words, a lot of people give in to the criticism or react strongly without focusing on the message. Naturally, these behaviours are not optimal and do little to make the person feel better about themselves or others.  Such reactions also do not result in a good outcome form our interactions with others.  Fortunately, there is a middle ground we can use which is known as assertiveness.

Being assertive is about being able to state your opinion, state your feelings and take responsibility for you.  However it is also about being clear so that others can be held accountable for their contribution. 

Real assertiveness is a beautiful thing to watch, it is hard to argue with and it brings about accountability and change.  Here is a checklist to being more assertive.

• Use “I statements” to focus the conversation on you taking responsibility for your feelings and not blaming others.  For example;

    “I don’t agree” rather than “You are wrong”

• Learn to say “No” and stick to it. The word “No” is quite powerful, so use it.
• Deliver your message to the person that matters, not to everyone else but the person.  Gossip is harmful, disrespectful and unprofessional.
• If you don’t understand the other person, ask for clarification. Don’t assume or interpret what they said. A wrong interpretation can make you upset can easily lead to a whole new conflict.
• If you struggle to say “No”, you can tone it down by offering alternatives.
• Avoid exaggerations such as “You always…”, “You are…”, “You constantly…”, “You never…”, “You are the most…”. They are not true, so there is no point to state them like that as they will be instantly rejected and the focus of the conversation will change towards them.

If you would like to learn how to be assertive and add to your tool box for better communication why not get some coaching to learn how to based on your own unique Communication style or DNA?

If you are keen to become a Better Communicator, then check out our range of online courses designed to take your Communication skills to the next level. 

If you would like to know what your Communication DNA is you can take our initial test here.  You will soon find out if Speaking up comes naturally to you or not.

Our most popular courses are Learn to Harness Your Communication Strengths.  This course will teach you what works for you, what frustrates you, who you respond in stress and what to do about it.

Also "The Enlightened Communicator" teaches you not just about your Communication needs across a range of areas but also the needs of other Communication DNA styles so can begin to build and understand of others.  A critical skill in becoming a Better Communicator. IT will teach you the principles for being assertive in the most effective way with different Communication DNA styles. 

If you would like a obligation free chat to discuss how we may be able to support you on your journey to deal with difficult people then contact Kylie Warry on 1300 707 481 for more information or email us

Until next time, Care, Connect and be a Conscious Communicator

Let’s change the world we live in one conversation at a time.