The 8 types of assertive communication

The communication process is essential to develop in our personal and professional lives. Depending on the communication styles we use, we will achieve better or worse results.

In the next article we will see what they are. the different types of assertive communication that exist; in this way, you will be able to adapt them to your life and have a better experience in your interpersonal relationships.

• Related article: "Assertiveness: 5 basic habits to improve communication"

What is assertiveness?

The process of assertive communication consists fundamentally of take care of the content and form of the ideas that we express without leaving in the inkwell what we want to say and at the same time without attacking others; that is, it is not enough that what is being said is true and timely, it is also necessary to express it with respect and empathy for the other.

In this way, the different types of assertive communication seek to get the message across in a better way. to the recipient, without the latter feeling threatened or insulted by what is said or by the way in which it is He says.

Therefore, assertive communication is a form of communication free of interference, which seeks to promote a better understanding between all the parties involved, and in which it is about avoiding a lack of honesty or transparency for fear of expressing conflicting ideas.

Types of assertive communication

This is a summary of the main types of assertive communication. In each, emphasis is placed on a characteristic aspect of assertiveness.

1. Assertive communication based on the expression of feelings

Assertive people have no trouble expressing their feelings fluently, because they do not see it as a sign of weakness but as a way to approach with the others. Of course, it is important to be able to detect with whom we can talk about certain topics.

2. Based on expressing respect for others

when you are assertive Respect for other people is taken into account, and seeks to be noticed by others. Telling conversation participants that we take their opinions into account and respect them is a sign of transparency.

3. Based on implementing active listening

Assertive communication not only takes into account the way things are said, but also how listening is implemented. A person who practices assertiveness knows how to keep quiet at certain times to listen attentively the points of view of the other participants.

• You may be interested: "Active listening: the key to communicating with others"

4. Based on the control of one's own emotions

The level of mastery you have over your own emotions is key to having assertive communication. And it is that if we let our emotions dominate us and act on impulse to the first negative stimulus we are far from being assertive people.

Ideally, we are able to tolerate frustration and keep our emotions under control so that we can later express our feelings with greater clarity and respect.

5. based on eye contact

This is one of the types of assertive communication that gives more weight to non-verbal communication. Eye contact is important during the communication process. It is a way of transmitting security and closeness to the other person..

When we use assertive communication in any circumstance, we must maintain natural eye contact with our interlocutor.

6. Based on maintaining control over our tone of voice

The tone of voice represents the way we say things. And it is not the same to express ourselves with a calm and clear tone of voice than to express ourselves through shouting. Even when we disagree with someone, we must maintain a psychological climate of respect and cordiality with said person.

7. Based on being careful with body posture

The posture of our body also transmits a message, it is what is known as body and non-verbal language. We must try that our body goes in the same tune as our thoughts and our words.

If we are expressing a relevant idea, our body also has to transmit that message, so that there is harmony between the channels of communication.

8. Based on knowledge of the subject

In order to express ourselves correctly in an assertive manner, it is not only enough to have the intention to do so, it is also You have to master the subject to some extent., and if not, then clearly express to what extent we have knowledge and make it clear that we are not too experts in the area.

Final advice and recommendations

It may happen that some people interpret assertive communication as an expression of weakness and lack of initiative. In these cases it is necessary take a firm stance without becoming aggressive.

It will suffice to let the person know that despite our non-confrontational attitude we are clear about our ideas and we do not need shouting and mistreatment to assert them, without giving too many explanations, we show that our position is not negotiable.

The gestures we make when speaking are an extension of our language and largely denote the relevance of the message. Gesticulation is part of our non-verbal language, and in assertive communication it is relevant so that others can more effectively understand what we are trying to express to them. However, we must be careful not to abuse this resource, as it could be counterproductive to our message.

Bibliographic references:

• Bower, S.A. and Bower, G.H. (1991). Asserting Yourself: A Practical Guide for Positive Change.
• O'Donohue, William (2003). "Psychological skills training: Issues and controversies". The Behavior Analyst Today. JD Cautilli. 4 (3): 331 - 335.