Assertive Speech

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Assertive speech is a style of communication in which individuals clearly state their opinions and feelings, and firmly advocate for their rights and needs without violating the rights of others. Assertive communication is born of high self-esteem and is a primary tool for effective communication in relationships when coupled with respecting the rights of others.

It is noted that assertive speech is a tool that is exceptionally useful to both d-types and s-types and is a foundational skill for healthy relationships.

Benefits of Regularly Using Assertive Speech and Behaviors

  • Reduces anxiety and stress often caused by misunderstandings and conflicts.
  • Allows you to express your thoughts and feelings clearly and effectively.
  • Self-esteem and self-confidence is enhanced and you have better control over your own life.
  • Others have more respect for your ideas and opinions by knowing where you stand.
  • Relationships with others are greatly improved by disagreeing without being hostile.
  • Having the ability to say “no” when you mean “no” without feeling self-conscious.
  • Motivates others to clearly state their own opinions and ideas.
  • Allows you to ask for help when needed without fear and stress.

Prerequisite Training

Assumptions of Assertive Speech

  • Productive communication and positive assertiveness create good relationships.
  • Allowing others to manipulate your behavior sacrifices your self-respect and sense of personal responsibility.
  • In addition to the “fight or flight” response to challenges, humans can solve problems verbally.
  • People can make you feel guilty by labeling your behavior “good” or “bad,” just like your parents did when you were a child.
  • The right to be the judge of your behavior is the foundation of all the other rights.
  • People may use manipulative behavior to make you believe that you should live by their rules.

Assertive Rights

  • “You have the right to offer no reasons or excuses for justifying your behavior.”
  • “You have the right to judge your own behavior, thoughts and emotions, and to take the responsibility for their initiation and consequences upon yourself for any reason or no reason at all.”
  • “You have the right to judge if you are responsible for finding solutions to other people’s problems for any reason or no reason at all.”
  • “You have the right to change your mind for any reason or no reason at all.” see consent.
  • “You have the right to make mistakes – and be responsible for them for any reason or no reason at all.”
  • “You have the right to say, ‘I don’t know’ for any reason or no reason at all.”
  • “You have the right to be independent of the goodwill of others before coping with them for any reason or no reason at all.”
  • “You have the right to be illogical in making decisions for any reason or no reason at all.”
  • “You have the right to say, ‘I don’t understand’ for any reason or no reason at all.”
  • “You have the right to say, ‘I don’t care’ for any reason or no reason at all.”

Twisted Thinking

Paraphrased from The Feeling Good Handbook by David D. Burns, twisted thinking are thought pathways that are inconsistent with assertive speech and are to be avoided.

  • All-or-nothing

black or white categories. a situation that falls short of perfect is seen as a failure. example: "I ate a brownie. My entire diet is ruined."

  • Over-generalization

a single event is seen as a continuing pattern of defeat. over using the words "always" and "never". example: "I am always bored. I never get to have any fun."

  • Mental Filter

Focusing on one detail of a situation while screening out all others. Example: You receive praise and criticism for your work on a project. You only remember and focus on the criticism.

  • Discounting the Positive

Positive experiences are not acknowledged or "don't count". This is a joy killer and can cause feelings of being inadequate and unrewarded. Example: You may do well at something but you tell yourself that "it wasn't good enough or that anyone could have done as well."

  • Jumping to Conclusions

Negative conclusions with no (or inadequate) supporting evidence.

Mind reading: Making assumptions that others think or feel negatively about you.

Example: "I'm sure he doesn't like me, I just know it."

Fortune-Telling: Making negative predictions about the future.

Example: "If I don't pretend to be more interesting than I believe I am at the party, no one will like me."

  • Magnification

Magnifying importance of failures and shortcomings or minimizing importance of desirable qualities. Example: "I missed catching the ball and now the whole team must think I'm a loser." or "I'm really no good at settling accounts, I only got six out of seven today."

  • Emotional Reasoning

Assuming negative emotions are a sure indication of the nature of a situation. Example: "I feel angry. Therefore, I am being treated unfairly." or "I am afraid of _____. Therefore, _____ must be dangerous."

  • Should Statements

"Should", "must", "oughts", and "have tos" are imply a moral imperative that often lead to guilt, anger and frustration. "Should" is often used to attempt to motivate people but frequently has the opposite effect and creates anxiety. Attempt replacing these words with "benefit". Instead of saying, "You should drink more water." consider saying "It might benefit you to drink more water."

  • Labeling

Labeling is when you over identify with the way you or someone else has behaved and is "all or nothing" taken to an extreme. Example: A person behaves badly. You decide "they are an asshole". You will not want to amend the situation now because you perceive them as a disgusting object instead of a human to be worked with. Example: Saying "I am a failure" as opposed to saying "I made a mistake".

  • Personalization & Blame

Personalization is a thought process that leads to guilt, shame and inadequacy. Example: "Climate change is happening because I didn't sign enough petitions." or "My mother is sick because I didn't take good enough care of her." or "He broke up with me because I'm not a desirable person." Blame is similar but directed at others. It often leads to a cycle which includes resentment, anger, and the blame being tossed back and forth between people without the potential for resolution.

How to Speak Assertively and Effectively

  • use “I” statements to state your thoughts clearly and concisely
  • state needs and wants clearly, appropriately, and respectfully (avoid idiom and analogy)
  • express feelings clearly, appropriately, and respectfully
  • communicate respect for others
  • listen well without interrupting
  • feel in control of yourself
  • have good eye contact
  • speak in a calm and clear tone of voice
  • have a relaxed body posture, be warm and open with gesturing
  • feel connected to others
  • feel competent and use a tones that conveys confidence in yourself
  • do not allow others to abuse or manipulate you or others
  • stand up for your rights
  • utilize silence rather than "umm", "like", "uhhhh" and similar speech delay tactics
  • admit to mistakes openly and seek to learn from, remedy, and prevent them in the future
  • practice assertive speech on your own, with a mirror; be mindful to be respectful if practicing a confrontation
  • respond to criticism by asking open ended questions that address the criticism
  • utilize good grammar, understanding of colloquial expressions and dialect, avoid blatantly offensive or hostile speech

Successful Assertive Speech Yields:

  • feeling connected to others
  • ability to mature because you address issues and problems as they arise
  • create a respectful environment for others to grow and mature

Associated Positive Behavior Ideals

  • “We are equally entitled to express ourselves respectfully to one another.”
  • “I am confident about who I am.”
  • “I realize I have choices in my life and I consider my options.”
  • “I speak clearly, honestly, and to the point.”
  • “I can’t control others but I can control myself.”
  • “I place a high priority on having my rights respected.”
  • “I am responsible for getting my needs met in a respectful manner.”
  • “I respect the rights of others.”
  • “Nobody owes me anything unless they’ve agreed to give it to me.”
  • “I’m 100% responsible for my own happiness.”Cateogry:Psychological Disciplines