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Lucia Grosaru, M.A. Psy.

Learn the most effective style of communication and become more independent in your thinking, your emotions and your social interactions.

Start building the Independent You right now through Assertive Communication.

Read more

Learn the most effective style of communication and become more independent in your thinking, your emotions and your social interactions.

Start building the Independent You right now through Assertive Communication.

  • Learn how to guide your thinking in a way that boosts your confidence and self-esteem and that allows you to regulate your emotions better

  • Learn how to build healthier relationships

  • Communicate your opinions openly

  • Deal with criticism and conflict efficiently

  • Say NO and create time for the goals that truly matter to you

Regain the confidence in your inner power to create the future you want.

Assertive Communication is one of the top skills that people want to learn how to master, due to its extensive applications in both personal and professional contexts. Assertiveness is the key toward an authentic and independent life.

Thoughts, emotions and behaviors that rely on the assertive principles allow you to break free from toxic contexts and focus on your own significant goals.

Learn how to activate The Assertive Style of Communication and you will be able to approach personal and professional contexts in a confident, goal-oriented manner.

Content and Overview

This course is suitable for anyone who would like to learn how to activate The Assertive Style of Communication in order to increase their cognitive, emotional and relational independence.

While considering the multi-dimensional aspect of Assertiveness, the course will simultaneously address thinking patterns, the understanding of how these patterns shape our emotions and ultimately, how to project these inner events into observable behaviors, such as verbal and non-verbal communication and the overall management of social relationships.

We will first take a look at what Assertiveness is, the reasons why you should learn this complex skill, its benefits and when to use it.

Then we will zoom in into each of the five communication styles, so that you will be able to identify them in yourself and others.

We will then address the Assertive Rights or Assertive Principles and that will mark the passage to the practical part of the course.

You will learn how to identify and eliminate the main cognitive distortions and how thoughts and emotions are linked in the assertive realm.

Then we will get to the really interesting part, the actual techniques and strategies of the Assertive Style of Communication.

You will learn how to communicate in a more authentic and confident manner, how to efficiently deal with criticism and conflict, how to provide constructive feedback and how to make sure that your verbal message matches the non-verbal one.

And then you’ll be ready to go. The foundation for the Independent you would have been laid and you will have the main skills to start creating the life you want.This version of the course includes hundreds of illustrative examples to help you understand the main concepts addressed in the lectures.

Enroll now

What's inside

Learning objectives

  • Identify the main five communication styles in yourself and others.
  • Know your assertive rights.
  • Identify and manage ten main cognitive distortions.
  • Express your emotions in an assertive manner.
  • Say "no" to unreasonable requests assertively.
  • Use assertiveness techniques in personal and professional communication contexts.
  • Provide constructive feedback.
  • Deal with criticism assertively.
  • Identify and activate assertive nonverbal cues.

Syllabus

Welcome to the course.
Introduction
EXTENDED: Advantages - Illustrative Examples
My Motivation for Critical Thinking and Assertiveness Advocacy
Read more
About the Course
What. Why. When.
What is Assertiveness?
Benefits of Assertiveness
When to use Assertiveness
Learn to identify the main communication styles in yourself and others.
COGNITIVE DISTORTIONS - Introduction
The Passive Style of Communication
EXTENDED: Examples of Beliefs and Thoughts
EXTENDED: Examples of Passive Communication
EXTENDED: Examples of Passive Behaviors
EXTENDED: Examples of Emotions
EXTENDED: Advantages - Illustrative Examples
Dichotomous Thinking
EXTENDED: Disadvantages - Illustrative Examples
The Aggressive Style of Communication
EXTENDED: Examples of Aggressive Communication
EXTENDED: Examples of Aggressive Behaviors
Overgeneralization
The Passive-Aggressive Style of Communication
EXTENDED: Examples of Passive-Aggressive Communication
EXTENDED: Examples of Passive-Aggressive Behaviors
Mental Filter
The Manipulative Style of Communication
Learn how to assertively express your emotions, convey your messages and refuse unreasonable requests.
EXTENDED: Examples of Manipulative Communication
EXTENDED: Examples of Manipulative Behaviors
Disqualifying the Positive
EXTENDED: Disadvantages Illustrative Examples
The Assertive Style of Communication
EXTENDED: Examples of Assertive Communication
EXTENDED: Examples of Assertive Behaviors
Learn about the assertive rights so that you will be able to claim and protect them.
The Assertive Rights
EXTENDED: Illustrative Examples
Find out about the link between thoughts, emotions and assertiveness.
Thoughts and Emotions
Learn to identify the main Cognitive Distortions and how to manage them.
Free Information
Jumping to Conclusions
Expressing Emotions
Augmentation and Minimization
Emotional Reasoning
“Should” Statements
"I" Statements
Labeling
Personalization and Blaming
Self-disclosure
The Assertive "No"
Learn how to deal with criticism assertively, with these three methods.
The techniques will help you convey your message when it's either dismissed or ignored and how to actively support assertive communication.
The Broken Record
Learn how to provide Constructive Feedback.
Negative Inquiry
Constructive Feedback
Fogging
Negative Assertion

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Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Assertive Communication: Build The Independent You with these activities:
Review 'Your Perfect Right: Assertiveness and Equality'
Solidify your understanding of assertive rights and techniques by reading a foundational text on the subject.
Show steps
  • Obtain a copy of 'Your Perfect Right'.
  • Read the chapters on assertive rights and techniques.
  • Reflect on how these concepts apply to your life.
Review Communication Styles
Refresh your understanding of different communication styles to better identify them in yourself and others before starting the course.
Browse courses on Assertive Communication
Show steps
  • Review materials on passive, aggressive, and assertive communication.
  • Identify examples of each style in your daily interactions.
Practice 'I' Statements
Reinforce your ability to express your needs and feelings assertively by practicing 'I' statements.
Show steps
  • Identify situations where you typically avoid expressing your feelings.
  • Rewrite your responses using 'I' statements.
  • Practice saying these statements out loud.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Journaling: Assertive Scenarios
Deepen your understanding of assertive communication by reflecting on real-life scenarios and how you could apply assertive techniques.
Show steps
  • Describe a recent situation where you felt unable to assert yourself.
  • Analyze the situation using the principles of assertive communication.
  • Write an alternative response using assertive techniques.
Role-Playing Assertive Communication
Improve your assertive communication skills by practicing with a partner in realistic scenarios.
Show steps
  • Find a partner to practice with.
  • Create scenarios involving common communication challenges.
  • Role-play the scenarios, focusing on assertive techniques.
  • Provide each other with constructive feedback.
Review 'Nonviolent Communication: A Language of Life'
Expand your communication skills by exploring Nonviolent Communication, which emphasizes empathy and understanding.
Show steps
  • Obtain a copy of 'Nonviolent Communication: A Language of Life'.
  • Read the chapters on observations, feelings, needs, and requests.
  • Practice applying NVC principles in your daily interactions.
Assertiveness Action Plan
Create a personalized plan to implement assertive communication techniques in your life and track your progress.
Show steps
  • Identify specific situations where you want to be more assertive.
  • Set realistic goals for improving your assertiveness in these situations.
  • Develop strategies for using assertive techniques in each situation.
  • Track your progress and adjust your plan as needed.

Career center

Learners who complete Assertive Communication: Build The Independent You will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Reading list

We've selected two books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Assertive Communication: Build The Independent You.
Classic guide to assertiveness, covering the core principles and techniques for effective communication and boundary setting. It aligns perfectly with the course's focus on building an independent self through assertive communication. It provides practical exercises and real-life examples to help readers develop their assertive skills in various contexts, making it a valuable resource for anyone looking to improve their confidence and communication style.
While not explicitly focused on assertiveness, this book offers a powerful framework for communicating needs and feelings in a clear and respectful manner. It complements the course by providing a deeper understanding of empathy and connection in communication. It is particularly useful for building healthier relationships and resolving conflicts constructively, which are key aspects of assertive communication.

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