Assertive Communication Skills - Great Plains Tribal ...

1 Assertive Communication Skills Different Communication Styles Passive Communication OI don t have rights ODoes not respect self OExhibits low self-esteem OBlames others ODenies or doesn t express feelings OKeeps it all in OI lose-you win OControlled by others Aggressive Communication OYou don t have rights ODoesn t respect others ODiminishes self-esteem in others OBlames others OExpresses own negative feelings OLets it all hang out OI win-you lose OControls others Assertive Communication OWe both have rights OTakes responsibility OExpresses feelings in a constructive way OWin-Win OOpen ORespects self and others Effective Assertive Communication Skills O You vs. I Statements OAlways use I statements. You statements can be perceived as blaming OExample: OYou don t keep me informed. OI find it hard to keep up on the project when I don t have all of the relevant information. Statements vs. Questions O You questions can be perceived as passive aggressive.

2 Convert those questions to I statements. OExample OWhy do you always arrive late? OI expect you to be on time. Non-Verbal Body Cues OCommunication is 30% verbal and 70% non-verbal. OBe conscious of your body language OFacial expression OGestures OEye contact OPosture, stance and distance OEye-level relationship Words to Avoid Little Should Kind of Make Sort of Never Perhaps Always You are Can t I disagree Just Yes, Must You don t understand Communication Requires Listening OUse active listening Skills OListen for feelings as well as facts OListen for main ideas, disregard sidetracks OListen without interrupting OPrepare feedback and paraphrase to ensure accuracy of message received Three-Part Model for Assertive Communication OAcknowledge the Other OWhat I hear you saying OWhat I see happening Three-Part Model for Assertive Communication Cont. OMake I Statements OI OI OI OI OI OI Invite Feedback OI d like to hear how you feel.

3 ODo you have any suggestions? OAre there any other options? OTell me what you think. Summary OAssertive Communication Skills