Strategies for being assertive

Passive

Not taking action and letting people do or say things to you. Not having the confidence to say or do anything.

Aggressive

Being forceful and hostile towards others or things. People who bully and harm others in physical and emotional ways are often known to be aggressive.

Assertive

Someone who is assertive is not afraid to state things to others. Standing up to others for others or your rights. Acknowledging both your and others needs/wants.

STRATEGIES FOR BEING ASSERTIVE

Knowing your priorities, what is important to you and how you will make sure you keep those priorities.

Eye contact, if you can’t maintain eye contact it will make you look and feel passive, if you can’t look someone in the eye look at their nose or forehead and make sure you know who you are talking to not just calling out ‘Hey you’ and expecting them to know it’s them you are talking to.

Body language, stand up straight, stand firm and don’t slouch, it will make you look and sound less convincing if you are trying to get something.

Voice, speak out, be loud, make your point, make sure what you say is heard and taken in by others.

“I” statements, don’t make it when you speak it’s all about what others are doing, make it about what you feel,

Small victories, celebrate them, they will help you become more confident and learn to celebrate thing you can do.