Assertive Communication

Active listening is a way of listening and responding to another person that improves mutual understanding. 

It is an important first step to defuse the situation and seek solutions to problems. 

This connects with the skills used in having crucial conversations.

Tips:

• If you're finding it particularly difficult to concentrate on what someone is saying, try repeating their words mentally as they say them. This will reinforce their message and help you to stay focused. 

• Be aware that active listening can give others the impression that you agree with them even if you don't.  You can say things like, "I hear what you are saying, but I am not sure I agree."

• It’s also important to avoid using active listening as a checklist of actions to follow or to respond to, rather than really listening. 

• If you find yourself responding emotionally to what someone said, say so. And ask for more information: "I may not be understanding you correctly, and I find myself taking what you said personally. What I thought you just said is XXX. Is that what you meant?" 

https://www.mindtools.com/CommSkll/ActiveListening.htm

Persons who use passive communication have developed a pattern of avoiding expressing their opinions or feelings, protecting their rights, and identifying and meeting their needs. 

As a result, passive individuals do not respond overtly to hurtful or anger-inducing situations. Instead, they allow grievances and annoyances to mount, usually unaware of the buildup. 

But once they have reached their high tolerance threshold for unacceptable behavior, they are prone to explosive outbursts, which are usually out of proportion to the triggering incident. After the outburst, however, they may feel shame, guilt, and confusion, so they return to being passive. 

Passive communicators will often:  

• fail to assert for themselves  

• allow others to deliberately or inadvertently infringe on their rights  

• fail to express their feelings, needs, or opinions  

• tend to speak softly or apologetically  

• exhibit poor eye contact and slumped body posture 

A passive communicator will say, believe, or behave like:  

• “I’m unable to stand up for my rights.”  

• “I don’t know what my rights are.”  

• “I get stepped on by everyone."  

• I’m weak and unable to take care of myself.”  

• “People never consider my feelings.” 

In this style, individuals express their feelings and opinions and advocate for their needs in a way that violates the rights of others. 

Aggressive communicators are verbally and/or physically abusive. 

Aggressive communicators will often:  

• try to dominate others  use humiliation to control others  

• criticize, blame, or attack others  

• be very impulsive  

• have low frustration tolerance  

• speak in a loud, demanding, and overbearing voice  

• act threateningly and rudely  

• not listen well  

• interrupt frequently  

• use “you” statements 

• have an overbearing or intimidating posture 

The aggressive communicator will say, believe, or behave like:  

• “I’m superior and right and you’re inferior and wrong.”  

• “I’m loud, bossy and pushy.”  

• “I can dominate and intimidate you.” 

•  “I can violate your rights.”  

• “I’ll get my way no matter what.”  

• “You’re not worth anything.”  

• “It’s all your fault.”  

• “I react instantly.”  

• “I’m entitled.”  

• “You owe me.”  

• “I own you.” 

Persons who communicate using this style appear passive on the surface, but are really acting out anger in a subtle, indirect, or behind-the-scenes way. 

People who develop a pattern of passive-aggressive communication usually feel powerless, stuck, and resentful – in other words, they feel incapable of dealing directly with the object of their resentments. Instead, they express their anger by subtly undermining the object (real or imagined) of their resentments. 

Passive-Aggressive communicators will often:  

• mutter to themselves rather than confront the person or issue  

• have difficulty acknowledging their anger  

• use facial expressions that don't match how they feel - i.e., smiling when angry  

• use sarcasm  

• deny there is a problem  

• appear cooperative while purposely doing things to annoy and disrupt  

• use subtle sabotage to get even 

The passive-aggressive communicator will say, believe, or behave like:  

• “I’m weak and resentful, so I sabotage, frustrate, and disrupt.”  

• “I’m powerless to deal with you head on, so I must use guerilla warfare.”  

• “I will appear cooperative, but I’m not.” 

Assertive communicators clearly state their opinions and feelings, and firmly advocate for their rights and needs without violating the rights of others.

These individuals value themselves, their time, and their emotional, spiritual, and physical needs and are strong advocates for themselves while being very respectful of the rights of others. 

Assertiveness allows us to take care of ourselves, and is fundamental for good mental health and healthy relationships. 

Assertive communicators will:  

• state needs and wants clearly, appropriately, and respectfully  

• express feelings clearly, appropriately, and respectfully  

• use “I” statements  

• communicate respect for others  

• listen well without interrupting  

• feel in control of self  

• have good eye contact  

• speak in a calm and clear tone of voice  

• have a relaxed body posture  

• feel connected to others  

• feel competent and in control  

• not allow others to abuse or manipulate them  stand up for their rights 

The assertive communicator will say, believe, or behave in a way that says:  

• “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.”