The document discusses assertiveness and how to be more assertive. It defines assertiveness as being direct and appropriately expressive while standing up for yourself in a respectful manner without blaming others or violating their rights. It contrasts assertiveness with aggression and passive behavior. The document provides tips for how to be assertive such as being honest about your feelings and needs, expressing yourself firmly, saying no to unreasonable expectations, and respecting others' rights.

2. Learning Objectives of this topic learn what assertiveness is. Understand the difference between assertiveness and aggression. Know how to be assertive

3. Assertiveness Quiz Do you buy things you do not want because you are afraid to say no to the salesperson? When you do not understand the meaning of a word, do you ask about it? Do you feel responsible when things go wrong, even if it is not your fault? Do you look directly at others when you talk to them?

5. 5. Do you often text or email someone about a conflict instead of talking to them face to face? 6. Do you feel intimidated by people in authority? 7. Do you generally have good posture? 8. Do you often feel so angry you could scream? 9. Do you know how to ask for help without feeling dependent? 10. If someone cuts in front of you in line, do you usually tell them off?

6. Why learn to be more assertive? Helps you avoid: Depression (helpless, hopeless) Resentment Frustration Temper/violence Anxiety, which leads to avoidance Physical issues (headaches, ulcers, high blood pressure, etc.) Poor relationships

7. Assertiveness is… Being direct and appropriately expressive Standing up for yourself: stating your opinions, feelings and thoughts without blaming the other person Respectful: of others’ opinions, feelings and thoughts

8. Assertiveness is NOT… A guaranteed way to win every argument A guaranteed way to get what you want A way to get others to feel like you feel or think like you think Telling everybody everything all the time

9. Aggression is… Standing up for yourself but violating the rights of someone else. Attacking the person instead of the problem Likely to establish a pattern of fear and avoidance of the aggressor

10. Non-assertive/passive behavior is… Failing to stand up for yourself Avoiding the problem Likely to establish a pattern of others taking advantage of you

11. HOW TO BE ASSERTIVE BE HONEST AND DIRECT ABOUT YOUR FEELINGS, NEEDS, BELIEFS. EXPRESS YOURSELF FIRMLY AND DIRECTLY TO SPECIFIC INDIVIDUALS. BE REASONABLE IN YOUR REQUESTS

12. HOW TO BE ASSERTIVE STATE YOUR VIEWPOINT WITHOUT BEING HESITANT OR APOLOGETIC. BE HONEST WHEN GIVING OR RECEIVING FEEDBACK. LEARN TO SAY “NO” TO UNREASONABLE EXPECTATIONS. PARAPHRASE WHAT OTHERS HAVE STATED TO YOU .

13. HOW TO BE ASSERTIVE REGOGNIZE AND RESPECT THE RIGHTS OF THOSE AROUND YOU. USE APPROPRIATE TONE OF VOICE. BE AWARE OF BODY POSTURE/LANGUAGE MAINTAIN EYE CONTACT. USE “I” STATEMENTS TO EXPRESS SELF

14. HOW TO BE ASSERTIVE DON’T LET OTHERS IMPOSE THEIR VALUES/IDEAS ON YOU ENCOURAGE OTHERS TO BE CLEAR AND DIRECT TAKE OWNERSHIP

15. Your Rights: You have the right to: Express feelings in ways that do not violate the dignity of others Change your mind Make mistakes (and take responsibility) Express positive feelings toward others Be non-assertive in chosen situations Say “no” without guilt Be angry when mistreated Get what you pay for/not be cheated Make your own decisions and live your life as you choose