Course Description:

The key to successful assertiveness is having an awareness of one’s own communication style as it relates to those that you interact with on a regular (and not so regular) basis.  Whether it is learning to be assertive within the work environment, home setting, or simply to gain a strong inner voice; assertiveness can be a powerful tool for reaching life goals and potential.  This course helps you acquire the skills needed to express yourself with confidence while asserting your needs and wants in a healthy way that is conducive to building strong relationships.


By the end of this course, you will be able to:

  • Define the conceptual framework of assertiveness

  • Describe the relationship between an individual’s cultural background and level of assertiveness

  • Learn how to set your own goals as a prerequisite for developing your assertiveness

  • Define the meaning of assertiveness, passive and aggressive behaviors

  • List the components of assertive behavior

  • Learn a cognitive behavioral model for assertive thinking 

  • Practice how to overcome fear and anxiety to turn them into assertive behaviors

  • Learn a step-by-step process to improve your assertiveness

  • Practice to express anger assertively

  • Learn how to deal with belittling and insults to improve your assertiveness

  • Understand the role of effective assertive communication in creating positive and equitable relationships with people

  • Learn how to express yourself assertively at work

  • Learn how to deal assertively with difficult people 

  • Understand that assertiveness is a matter of personal choice

  • Help others deal with your new assertive personality