2. 1. Assertive behavior
 Definition of Assertive Behavior:
Assertive behavior is “Behavior which enables
a person to act in his own best interests, to
stand up for himself without undue anxiety, to
express his honest feeling comfortably, or to
exercise his own rights without denying the
rights of others.”
(Calberti and Emmons 1974)

3. Assertive…cont’d
 Assertiveness is the expression of one’s feelings,
beliefs, opinions, and needs in a direct, honest and
appropriate manner. Such assertive behavior will
reflect a high regard for one’s own personal rights as
well as the rights of others.
 Being assertive is not something you are born
with; it is a skill that you learn.

4. 12 Aspects/features/ of assertive
behaviour
 Take responsibility,
 Use descriptive language,
 State opinions and interpretations as such like ‘In my opinion ….’‘ As I see it ….’ ‘My thoughts
are …’,
 Seek alternative views,
 Use constructive feedback (Focus on the solution rather than the problem.)
 Invite for suggestions / solutions
 Use a warm, welcoming tone
 Use the appropriate volume of sound
 Speak fluently
 Maintain eye contact,
 Use congruent facial expressions (Your facial expressions should be consistent with the message
you’re delivering. )
 Use open body language

5. Assertive…cont’d
 Assertive body language including the
following:
a. Maintaining direct eye contact
b. Maintaining an erect posture
c. Speaking clearly and audibly
d. Making sure you do not have a whiny quality to your
voice
e. Using facial expression and gestures to add emphasis
to your words

6. 2. NON-ASSERTIVE (submissive/ passive)
BEHAVIOR
 Characteristics of nonassertive behavior include:-
 not expressing feelings, needs, and ideas;
 ignoring personal rights; and
 allowing others to infringe/breach upon them.
 Nonassertive behavior is usually emotionally dishonest,
indirect, inhibited, and self-denying.
 Nonassertive persons often let other people choose for them
and end up feeling disappointed in themselves and angry
with them; at best, they can be described as passive, at
worst as a doormat.

7. Passive behavior …cont’d
 Agreeing to do things that you’re not interested in or
failing to ask a favor even though you need one =
represents the denial of your opinions and needs.
 Behaviors- Avoidance of eye contact, hesitant
speech pattern, low voice level, tense body posture
and nervous or inappropriate body movements.
Example, “I suppose we could go to the movies” or “I
wish I knew somebody who would teach me to fix my
car”.
 These communications are easily misunderstood
because mixed messages are being given.
 People often choose nonassertive behavior to avoid
unpleasant situations, tension, conflict, and

8. 3. Aggressive Behavior
 Characteristics of aggressive behavior include:-
 expressing your feelings, needs, and ideas at the expense of
others.
 stand up for their rights, but ignore the rights of others;
 they may dominate or humiliate other people.
 expresses his/her feelings and opinions in a punishing,
threatening, assaultive, demanding, hostile manner.
 there is little or no consideration of the feelings and rights others.
 assumes little responsibility for the consequences of his/ her action.
 While this behavior is expressive, it is also defensive, hostile,
and self-defeating.