This document discusses assertiveness training and provides guidance on how to communicate assertively. It defines assertiveness as expressing one's thoughts and feelings directly and honestly without disrespecting others. Assertiveness is described as more adaptive than passive or aggressive behaviors. The document outlines components of assertiveness including physical presence, vocal tone, and assertion level. It provides a 4-step model for assertive communication and guidelines for behaviors like making requests, refusing requests, and responding to criticism.

1. Ms.Beenapani Mohapatra
LECTURER in REHABILITATION PSYCHOLOGY
NATIONAL INSTITUTE FOR THE MENTALLY HANDICAPPED
Manovikasnagar, Secunderabad-500 009

2. Assertiveness Training
Assertiveness involves acting in your own best interest by
expressing your thoughts and feelings directly and
honestly (Alberti & Emmons, 1995, Bower & Bower, 1991).
Different from Submissive and Aggressive Communication.
Assertive
- More adaptive, increased self esteem,
effective in conflict resolution
Submissive - Self esteem, self denial, emotional
suppression and strained
interpersonal relation
Aggressive
- Guilt, alienation and disharmony

3. Components of Assertiveness
Physical
 Vocal
 Assertion muscle level
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4. 4 step programme by Gordon &
Sharon Bower (1991)
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Describe the unwanted behaviour from another
person that is troubling
Express your feelings about the behaviour to the
other person
Specify the changes needed
Provide rewarding consequences

5. Assertiveness
Assertiveness means standing up for one’s
own right without disrespecting the rights
of others
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Face the other person directly
Maintain good eye contact
Stand or sit erect
No fidgeting with objects
Facial expression should match with the
message conveyed
Voice should be firm but calm
Speak slowly but at a normal volume

6. Stages in Assertion
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Prepare the assertive message
Conveying the assertive message
Using silence
Active listening
Recycling the process with high muscle
tone
Agreeing to a solution

7. Making a request
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State your request firmly and clearly to the
concerned persons
Choose the best time and place
Say exactly what you want
Do not underestimate or exaggerate your need
Focus on the positive
Acknowledge the importance of the person
Give sometime to the person to think over
Repeat the request if needed
Be prepared to compromise

8. Refuse a request
Explained ‘No’ – genuine reason to refuse
Postponed ‘No’ – Future I will be able to do it
Delayed ‘No’
Get back to me ‘No’
Broken record ‘No’

9. Respond to criticism
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Listen to the criticism
Ask the person to be specific
Deciding on the truth of the criticism
If criticism is based on truth agree with the
person, apoligise and assure that you will
correct your mistake
If false, reject it clearly, tell how you feel
about it, ask for an explanation and make an
affirmative
Let it go