Assertiveness is a type of interpersonal communication that focuses on expressing oneself in a direct and honest manner while respecting the needs, feelings and rights of others. It involves communicating one’s thoughts and feelings openly but calmly to people who may or may not disagree with them (Joseph, 2019). Assertive behavior can be used in many different contexts including personal relationships, professional settings and even when interacting with strangers. This article will discuss some key behaviors which characterize an assertive approach to interpersonal communication.
The most important element of assertiveness is being able to express one’s own needs, opinions and emotions without infringing on the rights of another person. This requires being able to clearly state one’s point without attacking or belittling the other person’s opinion (Kumar et al., 2018). For example, instead of saying “You always think you know everything” a more assertive statement could be “I appreciate your input but I feel strongly about this issue so I would like to hear what you think first before making any decisions”. Such statements allow an individual to express their viewpoint while still showing respect for the other person’s opinion.
What behaviors characterize an assertive approach to interpersonal communication?
An additional characteristic of effective assertiveness is active listening. Being an active listener means giving undivided attention during conversations by looking at the speaker, maintaining eye contact and asking relevant questions about their point of view (Joseph, 2019). Active listening allows individuals to better understand each other’s perspectives which can help facilitate more productive dialogue between both parties in any situation. Additionally, it also helps show respect for each person’s thoughts without having either party become defensive or argumentative towards one another.
Finally, it is important for people engaging in assertive communication to remain flexible throughout conversations by considering alternative points of view in order to come up with solutions that work best for everyone involved (Kumar et al., 2018). Flexibility often involves compromising on certain issues if necessary as well as examining how both parties are affected by any decision made which can ultimately lead to healthier relationships between two people over time. As such it is important for individuals engaging in assertive communication tactics not only voice their own opinions but also consider those expressed by others when reaching conclusions together..
In conclusion, effective interpersonal communication depends largely upon exhibiting good verbal skills as well as exemplifying key behaviors such as expressing oneself honestly yet respectfully; actively listening; and remaining open-minded when discussing issues with others. By demonstrating these characteristics during interactions individuals can foster healthier relationships built upon mutual understanding rather than conflict through employing an assertive approach within all forms of communications .