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CRFT Productions and Chris Croft

Assertiveness Masterclass - How to be Assertive & Likeable

Master assertiveness and confidence with this practical in-depth guide by a world expert

Discover the life-changing habits that will transform your communication skills, build your confidence and nurture self-respect. Assertiveness is the ability to speak up for yourself and your rights in an appropriate and respectful manner. Learn how to be assertive & likeable - you needn't choose one or the other. Start learning these skills today and turn yourself into a confident communicator and win-win results-focused person.

Read more

Assertiveness Masterclass - How to be Assertive & Likeable

Master assertiveness and confidence with this practical in-depth guide by a world expert

Discover the life-changing habits that will transform your communication skills, build your confidence and nurture self-respect. Assertiveness is the ability to speak up for yourself and your rights in an appropriate and respectful manner. Learn how to be assertive & likeable - you needn't choose one or the other. Start learning these skills today and turn yourself into a confident communicator and win-win results-focused person.

Do you find that you are quick to anger? Maybe you have trouble sticking up for yourself and setting boundaries? Perhaps you’re plagued with stress at the thought of confrontation. This in-depth course will help you master the communication skills required to be assertive with your boss, your partner, or even someone you’ve just met. When you learn to be assertive in everyday situations, you reap long-term benefits in every relationship.

This course uses a coaching structure - meaning each video is just a minute or two long and contains an immediately actionable task. Either take the course in one go, or use it as your personal coach and watch one video a day, or a week. You’ll find the results speak for themselves. From handling difficult conversations with partners and friends, to mastering business communication with your boss and colleagues, assertiveness is a skill that can help you control situations at work, deal with difficult people calmly and confidently and help you live a happier personal life.

With practical tips and advice that you can put into practice straight away, you’ll learn how to spot toxic people, set reasonable boundaries and learn to understand yourself better. We’ll discuss four mantras that can boost your confidence in tricky situations, build new phrases into your vocabulary that will help you handle difficult people and learn how to approach adversity with a positive outlook. A lot of people think assertiveness is just being pushy and defensive, but it’s a skill that requires courage and honesty so that you can confidently control situations while respecting others.

By the time you finish this course, assertiveness won’t just be a new habit that you’ve learned, it will be part of a new way of life for you. From learning how to deal with unexpected criticism, to negotiating with confidence, this course will help you take control of your life, get that promotion you’ve been working towards and build healthy, respectful relationships with your loved ones.

Chris Croft is an international speaker, and widely published author, who's been teaching assertiveness to businesses and individuals for over 20 years. He's taught all over the world, as well as online, and has an entertaining and practical teaching style. This course is guaranteed to keep you engaged and amused, and teach you life-changing skills for home and work.

The course overview includes:

  • Practical tools and techniques for becoming more assertive

  • How to handle difficult conversations with confidence

  • Tools to help you set healthy boundaries

  • Take back control of your life

  • Relieve stress caused by constant arguing

  • Find it easy to communicate in a respectful manner

  • Learn how to approach difficult situations with a positive outlook

  • Implement new words and phrases that will build up your self-esteem

  • Easily identify toxic people and understand how to deal with them

  • Improve your business communications and earn respect from your colleagues

  • Transform your thought patterns with mantras

  • And as always, it’s 100% practical, and with no technical jargon

  • If you are ready to make practical changes and pursue a life of confidence and control this course is for you.

The power to change your life lies in your hands, and you can take control of it today. This course WILL change your life, if you let it.

Enroll now

What's inside

Learning objectives

  • Be more assertive and get what you want out of life
  • Understand how to communicate better with others
  • Feel confident standing up for yourself and your rights
  • How your choice of vocabulary can effect the outcome of a conversation
  • Know how to deal with difficult people in an appropriate and respectful manner
  • Build rewarding relationships with your loved ones
  • Earn respect from your colleagues
  • And much, much more

Syllabus

Introduction
Welcome
What is Assertiveness?
Stand up for your rights
Read more

Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Uses a coaching structure with short, actionable videos, making it easy to integrate into a busy schedule and apply the techniques immediately
Taught by Chris Croft, an international speaker and author with over 20 years of experience teaching assertiveness, which may add credibility and practical insights
Explores techniques for handling difficult conversations, setting boundaries, and managing negative emotions, which are valuable skills for personal and professional growth
Covers topics such as identifying toxic people and using mantras to boost confidence, which offers unique perspectives on assertiveness and self-improvement
Includes techniques like 'fogging' and 'negative inquiry,' which may require practice and adaptation to different communication styles and cultural contexts
Focuses on changing behavior and thought patterns, which requires consistent effort and self-reflection, and results may vary depending on individual circumstances

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Reviews summary

Practical assertiveness for work and life

According to learners, this course is a highly practical guide to assertiveness, offering immediately actionable tips. Many found the instructor's style engaging and clear, making complex ideas easy to grasp. Students frequently highlighted the usefulness of specific techniques like Fogging and FFF in real-world situations. The course is described as effective in helping them build confidence, set boundaries, and improve communication, both in professional and personal relationships. While some mentioned that parts felt somewhat basic or that techniques require practice to feel natural, the overall sentiment is overwhelmingly positive, praising its ability to deliver tangible results in handling difficult interactions and gaining respect.
Good for beginners, less so for advanced
"As someone familiar with communication theory, some parts felt like a review of concepts I already knew."
"If you've read other books on assertiveness, this might not offer much brand new information."
"Great for someone starting out, but I was hoping for slightly more advanced strategies or complex case studies."
Bite-sized lessons are convenient
"The short video format was perfect for fitting into my busy schedule and learning on the go."
"Each video having an actionable task made it easy to implement changes day-by-day."
"Liked that I could take it at my own pace, watching one video a day as a personal coach."
Clear, practical teaching style
"Chris Croft is an excellent teacher, very engaging and easy to listen to."
"Loved the instructor's sense of humor and down-to-earth approach. Made learning fun and relatable."
"The explanations were clear and the examples relatable, thanks to the instructor's teaching style."
Teaches effective communication methods
"The 'Fogging' technique was a game-changer for me in dealing with criticism calmly and effectively."
"Using the FFF method completely changed how I handle conflict at work; it's incredibly effective."
"Learned several phrases and mantras that boost my confidence instantly in challenging situations."
Provides tools for immediate use
"The course gives very practical tips that I can actually use straight away in my daily life and work."
"I appreciated the actionable steps provided in each short lesson. Not just theory, but how to DO it."
"Really helped me translate assertiveness concepts into practical behaviors I could apply right away."
Builds self-esteem and communication skills
"I feel much more confident speaking up for myself and expressing my needs after taking this course."
"Finally learned how to set clear boundaries without feeling guilty or aggressive."
"My communication at work and home has significantly improved, leading to less stress and better relationships."

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 Assertiveness Masterclass - How to be Assertive & Likeable with these activities:
Review Communication Styles
Review different communication styles to better understand your own tendencies and those of others, which is crucial for effective assertiveness.
Browse courses on Assertive Communication
Show steps
  • Research the four main communication styles: assertive, aggressive, passive, and passive-aggressive.
  • Reflect on situations where you've used each style.
  • Identify the pros and cons of each style.
Read 'Your Perfect Right' by Alberti and Emmons
Read this book to gain a deeper understanding of assertiveness principles and techniques.
Show steps
  • Read the book, focusing on the practical exercises.
  • Practice the techniques described in the book in everyday situations.
  • Reflect on your progress and adjust your approach as needed.
Role-play Assertive Scenarios
Practice assertive responses in common scenarios to build confidence and fluency.
Show steps
  • Identify common situations where you struggle to be assertive.
  • Write down potential assertive responses for each situation.
  • Practice these responses with a friend or family member.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Journaling: Assertiveness Reflections
Reflect on your assertiveness journey through journaling to track progress and identify areas for improvement.
Show steps
  • Dedicate time each week to journal about your assertiveness experiences.
  • Record situations where you were assertive, passive, or aggressive.
  • Analyze your reactions and identify patterns.
Assertiveness Action Plan
Develop a personalized action plan to implement assertive communication in specific areas of your life.
Show steps
  • Identify specific goals for improving your assertiveness.
  • Create a detailed plan with actionable steps and timelines.
  • Track your progress and make adjustments as needed.
Read 'Difficult Conversations' by Stone, Patton, and Heen
Read this book to learn strategies for handling difficult conversations with assertiveness and empathy.
Show steps
  • Read the book, paying attention to the framework for difficult conversations.
  • Apply the principles to real-life situations you've encountered.
  • Practice using the techniques to improve your communication skills.
Share Assertiveness Tips
Share your assertiveness knowledge with others to reinforce your understanding and help them develop their skills.
Show steps
  • Identify someone who could benefit from assertiveness training.
  • Share tips and techniques you've learned in the course.
  • Offer support and encouragement as they practice their skills.

Career center

Learners who complete Assertiveness Masterclass - How to be Assertive & Likeable will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Human Resources Manager
A Human Resources Manager is responsible for overseeing employee relations, conflict resolution, and ensuring a positive work environment. This position often involves navigating sensitive issues, mediating disputes, and advocating for both employees and the organization. The Assertiveness Masterclass may be useful for a Human Resources Manager, as the course content is directly applicable to handling difficult conversations, setting boundaries, and managing conflict. By learning how to communicate effectively, handle criticism, and promote a respectful workplace, a Human Resources Manager can improve employee satisfaction and organizational effectiveness. Emphasizing respect, understanding individual needs, and employing effective communication strategies may enable the HR Manager to foster a supportive and productive environment for all employees.
Conflict Resolution Specialist
A Conflict Resolution Specialist helps individuals or groups resolve disputes and disagreements through mediation, negotiation, and facilitation. Strong communication, empathy, and problem-solving skills are central to this role. The Assertiveness Masterclass may be useful for a Conflict Resolution Specialist, as it discusses practical tools and techniques for becoming more assertive, handling difficult conversations with confidence, tools to help set healthy boundaries, and how to approach difficult situations with a positive outlook. These skills may enable the Conflict Resolution Specialist to facilitate constructive dialogue, manage emotions, and guide parties toward mutually acceptable resolutions.
Project Manager
A Project Manager plans, executes, and closes projects, often leading cross-functional teams and managing competing priorities. They need to communicate clearly, delegate effectively, and resolve conflicts to keep projects on track. The Assertiveness Masterclass helps a Project Manager by imparting essential skills for handling difficult conversations, setting boundaries, and providing constructive feedback. It may allow a Project Manager to confidently address issues, motivate team members, and ensure stakeholders are aligned. Learning how to approach difficult situations with a positive outlook and implement new communication techniques may enhance a Project Manager's ability to lead successful projects and foster team collaboration.
Negotiator
A Negotiator works to reach agreements between parties with differing interests, often in high-stakes situations such as contract negotiations or dispute resolution. This role demands excellent communication, persuasion, and problem-solving skills. The Assertiveness Masterclass may be useful to a Negotiator because it teaches individuals how to be more assertive and get what they want out of life. It also teaches individuals how to deal with difficult people in an appropriate and respectful manner and how the choice of vocabulary can affect the outcome of a conversation. These abilities may allow a Negotiator to confidently advocate for their client's interests, find common ground, and reach mutually beneficial agreements.
Sales Manager
A Sales Manager leads a team of sales professionals, setting targets, providing coaching, and developing strategies to drive revenue growth. They must communicate effectively, negotiate skillfully, and motivate their team to succeed. The Assertiveness Masterclass can help a Sales Manager become more effective in their role. It emphasizes practical tools and techniques for becoming more assertive, handling difficult conversations with confidence, and setting healthy boundaries. The ability to easily identify toxic people and understanding how to deal with them may allow a Sales Manager to build a high-performing team and achieve sales targets effectively.
Employee Relations Specialist
An Employee Relations Specialist focuses on fostering positive relationships between employees and management, addressing workplace issues, and ensuring fair treatment. The Assertiveness Masterclass may be useful for an Employee Relations Specialist, as it focuses on building rewarding relationships with loved ones and earning respect from colleagues. This can allow them to mediate disputes effectively, promote respectful communication, and create a supportive work environment. Learning how to handle difficult conversations with confidence and easily identify toxic people may permit an Employee Relations Specialist to address conflicts proactively and maintain a harmonious workplace.
Team Lead
A Team Lead guides and supports a team of individuals, fostering collaboration, and ensuring that goals are met. Effective communication, conflict resolution, and the ability to motivate others are crucial in this role. The Assertiveness Masterclass can help a Team Lead master assertiveness and confidence, allowing them to transform their communication skills, build confidence and nurture self-respect. The course may allow the Team Lead to address issues constructively, provide clear direction, and create a positive and productive team environment. Learning how to approach difficult situations with a positive outlook, transform thought patterns with mantras, and implement new words and phrases that may build up self-esteem may allow the Team Lead to empower their team members and foster a collaborative environment.
Mediator
A Mediator facilitates communication between disputing parties to help them reach a mutually acceptable agreement. This role requires excellent communication, negotiation, and conflict resolution skills. The Assertiveness Masterclass may be useful to a Mediator, as it emphasizes respectful communication, setting boundaries, and handling difficult conversations confidently. These skills are crucial for maintaining impartiality and guiding parties toward constructive solutions. Understanding how to approach adversity with a positive outlook, identifying toxic behaviors, and implementing new phrases to build self-esteem are tools that may empower a mediator to manage complex interpersonal dynamics.
Executive Coach
An Executive Coach works with business leaders to enhance their performance, communication, and leadership skills. This role requires the ability to provide constructive feedback, challenge assumptions, and guide clients toward personal and professional growth. The Assertiveness Masterclass has useful tools and techniques for an Executive Coach, as it focuses on building confidence, improving communication, and setting healthy boundaries. Implementing new words and phrases that build self-esteem, and understanding how to approach adversity with a positive outlook may allow an Executive Coach to empower their clients to overcome challenges and achieve their full potential.
Ombudsman
An Ombudsman investigates and resolves complaints or grievances, often working within organizations or institutions to ensure fairness and equity. The Assertiveness Masterclass may be useful as it focuses on handling difficult conversations with confidence and understanding how to communicate better with others. These skills allow an Ombudsman to facilitate impartial investigations, mediate disputes, and recommend solutions that promote a fair and just outcome. Learning to approach difficult situations with a positive outlook and understanding how to deal with toxic people would be useful in this role.
Public Relations Specialist
A Public Relations Specialist manages an organization's reputation and relationships with the public, crafting messaging and responding to media inquiries. The Assertiveness Masterclass may be useful for a Public Relations Specialist, as it emphasizes improving business communications and earning respect from colleagues, and understanding how to communicate better with others. This course may allow them to communicate confidently, handle difficult questions, and maintain a positive image for their organization. Learning how your choice of vocabulary can affect the outcome of a conversation may empower them to navigate crises effectively and build strong relationships with stakeholders.
Therapist
A Therapist provides psychological support and counseling to individuals, couples, or groups, helping them address emotional and behavioral challenges. Strong communication and empathy are essential to this role. The Assertiveness Masterclass teaches one how to communicate better with others and how to deal with difficult people in an appropriate and respectful manner. The course may allow a Therapist to facilitate effective communication, set appropriate boundaries, and foster a supportive therapeutic environment. The therapist must usually hold an advanced degree.
Customer Success Manager
A Customer Success Manager (CSM) focuses on building strong relationships with customers, ensuring they achieve their desired outcomes using a product or service. The CSM must advocate for the customer's needs. The Assertiveness Masterclass may be useful to a CSM, since it teaches the person to implement new words and phrases that may build up self-esteem, easily identify toxic people, and understand how to deal with them, improve business communications and earn respect from colleagues, and transform thought patterns with mantras. All of this may enable the CSM to satisfy customers.
Social Worker
A Social Worker supports individuals and families facing social, emotional, and economic challenges, advocating for their needs and connecting them with resources. The Assertiveness Masterclass may be useful for those in this role. The course teaches individuals how to be more assertive and get what they want out of life, and how to deal with difficult people in an appropriate and respectful manner. These skills may empower the Social Worker to effectively advocate for clients, navigate complex systems, and build trusting relationships.
Social Justice Advocate
A Social Justice Advocate champions for fairness and equality, often working to address systemic issues and empower marginalized communities. This role requires strong communication, advocacy, and the ability to navigate complex social dynamics. The Assertiveness Masterclass teaches individuals to feel confident standing up for yourself and your rights and how to deal with difficult people in an appropriate and respectful manner. These abilities may allow the Social Justice Advocate to amplify the voices of those they represent and create meaningful change.

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 Assertiveness Masterclass - How to be Assertive & Likeable.
Classic guide to assertiveness, providing practical techniques and real-life examples. It covers a wide range of situations, from personal relationships to workplace interactions. It is particularly useful for understanding the principles of assertive communication and developing the skills to stand up for your rights while respecting others. This book serves as a comprehensive resource for anyone looking to improve their assertiveness skills.
Provides a practical guide to navigating difficult conversations in both personal and professional settings. It offers strategies for understanding the underlying dynamics of these conversations and communicating effectively. This book is particularly useful for individuals who struggle with confrontation or conflict. It provides a framework for approaching difficult conversations with confidence and achieving positive outcomes.

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