Assertiveness training helps individuals improve communication skills by overcoming passivity or excessive aggression. Participants analyze their communication styles, identify flaws, and practice techniques to improve interactions. The training helps individuals identify the source of their communication problems and is available from various sources, including companies, career centers, and mental health professionals.
Assertiveness training is a therapeutic program aimed at strengthening the participants’ ability to effectively communicate their needs and desires. Participants learn strategies for overcoming passivity and interacting with others with confidence while avoiding excessive aggression. During the training, participants typically examine flaws in their current communication styles and practice techniques, which can improve future interactions.
Many people find it difficult to convey their thoughts and wishes to others. Some are overly passive and often have difficulty expressing an opinion that conflicts with that of others or refuse when asked to do something they do not wish to do. Others communicate in an overly forceful way, causing those with whom they interact to resent or feel like they are being bullied. Over time, these communication difficulties can negatively affect professional and personal relationships and diminish self-confidence. Assertiveness training aims to help participants overcome these communication problems.
Typically, assertiveness trainings begin by encouraging each participant to become aware of their current communication style and understand why some elements of that approach might be hindering effective interaction. Participants could watch films featuring different interpersonal exchanges. Next, they can analyze each exchange, deciding whether or not it was successful, identifying behaviors that may have blocked effective communication, and suggesting ways the figures might have achieved assertiveness.
Additionally, assertiveness training often helps participants identify the source of their communication problems. Both passivity and aggression can stem from low self-esteem or a fear of being perceived as wrong or stupid. Recognizing the underlying causes of these behaviors can give training participants a feeling of control over their interaction skills.
Another common feature of assertiveness training is role play. For example, a course instructor might pitch a scenario such as an employee asking her boss for a raise. Then the instructor will play the part of the boss while a course participant will act as an employee. The participant should attempt to express her wishes – here, a raise – confidently but not forcefully. This exercise offers participants the chance to practice assertive communication under the guidance of a qualified instructor who can offer feedback on their techniques.
Assertiveness training is available from several sources. In some cases, it is organized by a company for the benefit of its employees and is carried out in a seminar led by communication professionals. It is also often offered to undergraduate students through their on-campus career centers. Additionally, some mental health professionals provide assertiveness training in both group and individual settings.
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