SERIES 1 - Episode 8:
In this episode Rachel is joined by Deborah Dalley to discuss Assertiveness. Deborah is the author of Developing Your Assertiveness Skills and has huge experience of helping her clients analyse, understand and adjust their communication style to reach positive outcomes. Rachel and Deborah explore the Assertiveness model, outline the different modes of communication and share a wealth of examples that bring the subject to life.
Deborah has been delivering assertive communication workshops for over 25 years for groups in the public, private and voluntary sectors. She also coaches individuals and facilitates team events that specialise in helping people successfully deal with difficult situations.
Director: Deborah Dalley and Associates Ltd
Email: info@deborahdalley.com
Website: www.deborahdalley.com
TOP TIPS SUMMARY
There are four modes of communication in the assertiveness model, high level aggression, low level aggression, submissive, and assertive and for many people, communicating assertively is a mode of communication that doesn't come that naturally so it's helpful to work out what your usual style is, and this will help you work out what sort of communication shift might be helpful for you.
Observe other people and notice what they're doing well, not necessarily to copy it, but to work out what could work for you and come up with some different options.
Prepare for assertive communication by being clear about your rights and needs and working out what you want.
Be aware of your habits around language and behaviour and build up some new assertive approaches and phrases to test.
Start practising your assertiveness communication in low risk situations.
Use, breathing and grounding to help you manage your emotions and where appropriate take time out, when emotions are high it can be difficult to reach a positive outcome.
If you feel you haven’t communicated effectively consider revisiting the situation.
Notice when you are communicating assertively and congratulate yourself, no matter how small a change or win, notice growing confidence and keep going, It's a life's work.
BOOKS
Developing Your Assertiveness Skills – Deborah Dalley
Difficult Conversations – Anne Dickson
Feel the Fear and Do It Anyway – Susan Jeffers
ARTICLES