First of all, I want to start by explaining to you what assertive communication is, so that you can understand why it is so important in your life. Assertive communication is a communication style in which you express your ideas, feelings and needs directly, safely, calmly and honestly, while being empathetic and respectful of other people.
It is a diplomatic and balanced way of communicating in which you share your point of view and defend your rights, while taking into account the feelings of others and respecting their beliefs and rights. And you do it by taking responsibility for your emotions, without taking responsibility for others and without blaming or judging them.
According to the Dictionary of the Royal Academy of the Spanish Language, “an assertive person is one who expresses his opinion firmly”, clearly, respecting both the other’s ideas and his own. This does not mean that to be assertive we must always agree with the arguments that are presented to us; we can disagree without this being a reason for discussion. Communicating assertively means saying what you want to say, without hurting the feelings of others.
What should we take into account in assertive communication?
Be clear and specific. Say specifically what we want. If we just hint, we run the risk of being misunderstood by others. Apologizing, when necessary, is fine: if we make legitimate claims, there are plenty of excuses; otherwise, we will seem to feel guilty and insecure. However, we must always speak with respect.
Advantages of being assertive
Using assertive communication lowers stress levels (we don’t overload ourselves with excessive responsibilities, as happens to people who don’t know how to say “no”), helps us control a bad temper, and improves our coping skills, as it allows us to express ourselves effectively, defend our point of view, while respecting that of others.
In summary:
- Improves self-confidence and self-esteem.
- We can identify our feelings.
- When we respect the other, we earn the respect of others.
- We improve our communication skills.
- We can make better decisions.
- We build social and work relationships based on sincerity.
To achieve this, assertive communication must keep these three aspects in mind:
- Confidence: I believe in my ability to handle a situation.
- Clarity: my message is clear and easy to understand.
- Control: I give information in a calm and controlled manner.
Recommendations to be an assertive person
Evaluate the way you communicate: Do you express your opinions or remain silent? Do you say yes to everything others say to you? Do you constantly judge or blame others? Identify your communicative style, to be able to make the changes that may take place.
Express yourself, including yourself in what you say: This will allow you to let others know what you are thinking or feeling, without coming across as accusing.
Practice saying “no”.
Rehearse what you want to say
Use body language: Remember that communication is not just verbal. Maintain an upright posture, make regular eye contact, maintain a neutral or positive facial expression, do not cross your arms or legs.
Keep your emotions under control: Conflict is difficult for most of us. Maybe you are angry or frustrated, or feel like crying. Although these feelings are normal, they can make it difficult for us to resolve conflicts. If you are emotionally affected, wait a bit. Take a deep breath, stay calm, and speak in a steady, even voice.
Do it little by little: It is important that you practice these skills with people close to you. This will allow you to evaluate yourself, and if necessary, make the corresponding adjustments. Now that you know what assertive communication is and the great advantages you can get if you practice it in your life, ask yourself, how do you think assertive communication can benefit you in the different areas of your life?
That is why now that I share this information with you, I ask you not only to leave it as another idea, but to take action so that you can really live that experience of having better results abroad.
I was forgetting to tell you that when a person has assertive communication, it is a reflection of an internal balance, since previously there was a personal job, that is why doors are opened for these types of people, they see opportunities, create valuable relationships and durable.
This type of communication is ecological since it sees how it can be in harmony with each individual, sees the strengths of each person, values the point of view, integrates the best of each member, is flexible, however, it is also aware of The importance of knowing how to set limits.
Would you like to apply this type of communication in the different areas of your life?
ivi@totomarketing.com
