Form 9F
Assertiveness
Remember the following points in practicing assertiveness:
Take a moment to think before you speak.
Be specific and direct in what you say.
Pay attention to your body language (use direct eye contact;
face the person you’re addressing).
Be willing to compromise.
Restate your assertion if you feel that you’re not being heard.
Form 9G
Assertiveness Practice Exercises
These exercises will help you become aware of your style of handling various social situations. The four common response styles are passive, aggressive, passive–aggressive, and assertive. Pick two different social situations. Write brief descriptions of them and of your responses to them.
Then decide which of the four common response styles best describes each response.
Situation 1 (describe):___________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
Your response:________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
Circle response style: passive aggressive passive–aggressive assertive If your response was
not assertive, think of an assertive response and write it down here:______________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
Situation 2 (describe):___________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
Your response:________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
Circle response style: passive aggressive passive–aggressive assertive If your response was
not assertive, think of an assertive response and write it down here:
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________