How to Develop Assertive Communication

Effective and assertive communication involves both verbal and non-verbal skills, which need to be developed in order to build and strengthen harmony in relationships and achieve the objectives it is designed to fulfil.

Being a "good conversationalist" doesn't necessarily mean being a good communicator.

Assertive communication is when the message that your work colleagues, and also those you lead, understand is exactly the message you want to convey. And also when you manage to create the energy around your statement that is necessary for it to have the desired effect.

Studies by The New York Times have shown that 89 per cent of employers consider communication skills to be a fundamental requirement for hiring and retaining a professional.

An unassertive person ends up not being able to close good deals, losing clients and friends and complicating their relationships. This is because their way of communicating generates doubts, resentment and even hostility.

An assertive person, on the other hand, may express disagreement and dissatisfaction with a given situation, but in doing so, they direct these feelings at the facts themselves and not at the people involved in the process. In this way, they don't generate embarrassment or anxiety, helping everyone to understand exactly what they want or need, without trying to dominate, humiliate or insult anyone.

Based on all this, I want to address a few points to help you perfect and have even more assertive communication with everyone around you. Let's see:

Based on all this, I want to address a few points to help you improve and have even more assertive communication with everyone around you. Let's see:

1. Know what you're going to say

The idea, project or technique you're going to convey must be clear in your mind and you must master this knowledge. You need to be confident in your communication. Only then can your speech generate credibility.

When you present something using terms such as "I think", people lose some confidence in your knowledge of the subject.

2. Observe who is listening

Observing how people react to what you're saying is an excellent way to improve your communication.

The posture of those listening gives you important feedback on how people are receiving and perceiving your message.

3. Listen and let the other person speak

A good communicator also lets the other person speak and, above all, listens carefully to what they are saying.

Even if they don't agree with what they're hearing, a good communicator doesn't interrupt the other person until they've finished expressing their thoughts.

4. Use appropriate language

Appropriate language is fundamental for assertive communication.

When choosing the best way to talk, you need to analyse the content to be discussed and take into account who you're talking to, whether it's a project, a meeting to present results or even an informal conversation.

Be especially careful about using terms that are too technical or difficult to understand. You need to make sure that people understand the message you want to convey, so use simple terms that are easy for your audience to understand.

5. Use emotion

Using emotion to your advantage is a strong point in assertive communication.

Speak with enthusiasm, firmness and assurance, and get involved in the message you want to convey, creating the atmosphere necessary for what you say to have the impact you want to have on your listeners.

Enthusiasm will make people feel strength in your words. If you're not involved in your speech, it will be difficult to get others interested in what you're saying.

6. Take care of your body language

The body speaks, always remember that. Within the study of body language, we talk about open and closed postures.

Open postures are those in which there are no barriers between one interlocutor and another. This posture is adopted by all interlocutors who show an interest in the conversation.

On the other hand, there are closed postures in which one of the parties involved can keep away from what is being communicated. For example, keeping your arms crossed clearly symbolises that the interlocutor is protecting themselves and isolating themselves from what is being said (most of the time, this happens unconsciously).

7. Use your experiences as examples

Expertise is one of the most powerful elements of assertive communication. When you use situations you've already experienced as examples to illustrate what you're saying, you generally create a "he really knows what he's talking about" atmosphere among your listeners.

Pay attention to this set of tips and information, apply them in your daily life and perfect your speech. This way, your communication with the people around you will be more effective and assertive, as well as being clearer and free of noise.

Train your assertive communication skills every day!

When we are willing to develop this area, which favours both our personal and professional growth, we broaden our vision of what is happening around us and make room for something new.

By getting out of our comfort zone and taking a step forward, seeking out this knowledge, we realise that we can always improve our relationships and grow as part of this process.

Investing in the quality of our communication means evolving and successfully achieving our goals. Especially if your goal is to become a good leader!