Learn More About Assertive Communication (Part One)

Learn More About Assertive Communication (Part One)

Assertive communication is a communication tool that promotes effective communication between people. By practicing it, we promote respect for ourselves and for others.

Assertive communication techniques are tools that can be used in our professional and personal lives. In this sense, knowing the characteristics that underpin it and the resources that we can use to our advantage will allow us to achieve favourable results in any interaction that we carry out.

What Is Assertive Communication?

Communication is basically the way in which a message is transmitted between a sender and a receiver, but when we talk about assertive communication or assertiveness, we also include the attitude of this communication, since it is the way in which a person expresses his or her opinions, out of respect for the other, in a clear and slow way.

Characteristics of Assertive Communication

Assertive communication is a style of communication that has a huge impact on emotional relationships as well as professional and work relationships. Here are six basic characteristics of effective assertive communication:

1. When we look at our interlocutor, we show interest and this attitude greatly increases trust and closeness.
2. We have an open posture because our non-verbal communication shows interest and sincerity.
3. Watching our gestures and learning to control them, because appropriate gestures help us to emphasise the messages we want to reinforce.
4. Watch the pitch of our voice, because modulating it appropriately makes us more convincing.
5. Analyse how long we listen and how long we are listened to in order to increase receptivity and impact.
6. Identify how much, how, when and where we intervene and observe the quality of our interventions in conversations.

Assertive Communication in the Workplace

Working on assertive communication is one of the desirable skills for any employee, especially in the business world, where communication is the fundamental pillar of the professional task. Thus, one of the many benefits of assertive communication in the workplace and in business is the creation of a favourable climate for the expression of ideas, opinions and respect that will optimise relationships in the work context.

Assertive communication is the most appropriate way to approach a client because it is the best way to express what you want to say without making the other person feel attacked. In addition, assertive communication allows us to promote acceptance of the message more easily and in a clearer and more precise way, without anyone feeling judged or threatened.

In this way, communicating our message in a clear and safe way, respecting the rights of others, creates a perception of respect and credibility in relation to the instructions we are going to give to the client with whom we are communicating.

It is important to know what information to give and how to give it. Poor communication about results, diagnosis or treatment can cast doubt on the professionalism with which we work and affect the rest of the process.

It is important that the client feels good about our behaviour when we give our opinion, so that they will be cooperative and share their own thoughts, doubts or opinions with us.

Assertive Communication on Verbal, Non-verbal and Paraverbal Levels

In the assertive style we can find several characteristics at the verbal, non-verbal and paraverbal levels. For example, assertive communication management in verbal language uses the first person to refer to feelings, own opinions and other formulas to express collaborative ideas.

Assertive Communication in Non-verbal Behaviour

In this style, the non-verbal behaviour we use will greatly influence the way the client receives information.
It is very important to maintain direct eye contact with the client, have an upright posture and not appear tense.
If we are physically secure in delivering the message and do not appear aggressive, it will be easier for us to get the client to give us their full attention and accept the information.

Assertive Communication in Verbal Behaviour

In order for our verbal communication to be consistent with our non-verbal communication, it is important to analyse the following recommendations:
1. When we are talking, avoid crossing our arms, try to be in an open position.
2. Do not interpret the gestures or movements of our interlocutor, it is better to study them before making assumptions.
3. Pay attention to the tone of our voice to see if it matches the message.
4. Maintain eye contact in a very subtle way while listening and speaking, this shows interest and strengthens the relationship as it shows empathy.

Assertive Communication in Paraverbal Behaviour

Among the characteristics of the recommended paraverbal behaviour that should be used in our message are: a calm and constant tone of voice, respect for silences and a constant rhythm throughout the process.
One of the things that can indicate insecurity and even nervousness is not respecting the silences that should occur during communication. Not stopping to talk, feeling uncomfortable in silence and running away quickly will make the client doubt the reality we are trying to show.

Now that you know more about assertive communication, tell us your thoughts about it. And if you want further information, come back to check the second part of our article where we will explain in more details how you can put it in practice.