5 Simple Assertive Communication Techniques

by Gabriela Damaceno  | Guest Contributor  |  Digital Marketing

Photo by You X Ventures on Unsplash

Assertive communication is a skill that every successful professional needs to develop. That's because it makes it possible to develop social intelligence, which is the incredible ability to relate to people.
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Therefore, assertive communication occurs when the information that needs to be passed on reaches the listener with clarity, respect and dynamics. When this combination of characteristics occurs, the professional obtains the expected return when starting his communication and the dialogue between the parties occurs with the collaboration of all.

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What is assertive communication?
According to the dictionary, the term assertive represents actions performed safely, where there is a decision in words and firmness in behaviour. Therefore, developing assertive communication goes beyond being a good speaker, but also knowing how to communicate.

Being a good communicator is essential for most professions and this skill is very much in demand by companies. After all, who doesn't want a dynamic employee who knows how to express himself and inform himself correctly with a high level of social intelligence? Knowing the importance of developing this skill, let's go to the 5 simple assertive communication techniques.

1. Understand the other
Each person is different, therefore, communication with the other needs to be of respect, empathy and understanding. So, know how the other person prefers to communicate, how he prefers to be accessed and communicated. Developing that perception and using it in your communication will make all the difference.

For example, a lifestyle blog for women is aimed at women, but not all are the same. You need to understand specifically how the person listening to you wants to communicate.

2. Learn to listen beyond words
Listening beyond words: but what does that mean, anyway? According to Albert Mehrabian, who is a renowned professor of Psychology, 55% of human communication is represented by non-verbal language, that is, it is about looks, body posture and gestures.

Therefore, ignoring all this communication that is not picked up by the ears is a complete mistake. So, to be a good communicator, be aware of all the signs and know how to interpret them to know how to express yourself properly.

3. Pay attention to your speech
Sometimes, the way we speak seems appropriate for us, as we are used to not questioning many things in our daily lives. However, we are not always assertive and we may end up reproducing offensive fallacies or language contrary to what we really want to communicate.

So, to get your message across clearly and respectfully, question your own speech. Consider whether the tone is correct, words, facial and physical expressions, everything should be in accordance with the message you want to convey.

4. Wait for the right time
It is not always the right time to start talking. Believe me, you may think this is a good time, but really analyze if you should start a dialogue. Assertive communication occurs when information is exchanged at appropriate times.

5. Support your arguments
Nothing is more assertive than having grounded arguments. If you want to make an argument, have data, sources and research. So don't talk about things that you don't know properly. And when talking about a certain subject, study, research and develop your arguments in an informed way.
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About the author:

Gabriela is a curious, adventurous woman who enjoys visiting new places and being in touch with different cultures. She’s passionate about entrepreneurship, travel and storytelling, sharing stories on a lifestyle blog for women.

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