Assertive communication is a type of communication in which a person sends a message, usually orally, expressing opinions, feelings, requests, and assessments. For example: I think painting the logo purple isn’t a good idea. Would you rather paint it orange?
Assertive statements should always be clear, not long , and easy to understand. Generally, the first person singular (I) is used to express what one wants or thinks , and the posture and tone of voice should not be threatening.
In assertive communication, courtesy and avoiding abuse, reproaches, and disparagement are very important, as it is necessary to take into account the thoughts and feelings of the recipient. The advantages of this type of communication are that it improves relationships and promotes problem resolution.
- See also: Elements of communication
Examples of assertive communication
- I need the book I lent you to study, could you bring it to me tomorrow?
- I don’t agree with your position, but I respect it.
- From now on, all employees will be required to arrive on time.
- I ask that you submit the report today at five o’clock in the afternoon, but if you have any questions, you can ask me.
- I don’t like the music so loud, could you please turn it down?
- I don’t think it’s a good idea for us to go to the beach today because it’s very windy.
- I made that request because I have the right to ask for my money back.
- I’m sure it would be better if we divided the work.
- I have to congratulate them, because they have done a great job.
- I know we can make mistakes, but you have to apologize to the client.
- I think we should be more organized when we debate ideas and listen to each other more.
- I don’t think I’ll be able to attend the dinner, because I have a very important commitment that day.
- I think you should do a little more research before starting such an uncertain project.
- I think it’s important to always keep the needs of the customers in mind.
- I’d like you to take a little more care of cleaning the house.
- Waiter, excuse me, but this is not the dish I ordered, could you bring me what I ordered?
- I think it’s essential that we all be able to express our ideas in these types of meetings.
- I don’t want to vote for that candidate, because I don’t like his ideas.
- What do you think is the best way to solve this problem?
- I didn’t like the beach we went to last summer, should we look for somewhere we’d be interested in going?
- Sir, your cell phone keeps ringing, could you turn it off so we can all watch the movie?
- I don’t think it’s a good idea, but we could come up with something that would convince us all to take part in the project.
- I have to ask you not to change the subject because this matter is very important.
- I don’t think it’s a good idea to remove that column, because it’s the one that holds up the roof.
- I think I didn’t understand you well, could you explain it to me in another way?
- As an art curator, I can tell you that you have made a great collection of paintings.
- I’m very tired today, could you go shopping?
- Excuse me, but your time to speak is over. It’s time for the next speaker.
- I know you like those colored windows, but I think we should change them because the living room doesn’t get much natural light.
- I’d rather we go to the pizzeria we always go to, because I don’t like the new one very much.
- Thanks for your offer, but I don’t have time to do that project because I’m very busy.
- I think it’s essential that we change the light fixtures because there isn’t good lighting in this office.
- I think it’s better that the new collection only has pastel colors and shades of gray.
- Excuse me, but it’s break time. Could you turn down the volume on the TV?
- The perfume has a good fragrance, but I think it would be better if you add a citrus fragrance.
- I’m not convinced by the new design of the newspaper; I think the previous one was better.
- Both the clients and we, their bosses, value their commitment and effort at work.
- I would rather take the highway than the avenue because there is less traffic.
- I don’t think we should do another play in that theater because the acoustics are so bad.
- I don’t think we need to make that trip, because it seems more urgent to me that we change the car.
- They haven’t delivered the materials on the agreed day. When could they send them?
- Excuse me, but the car keeps making the same noise, I need you to repair it again, when will it be ready?
- I think we’ll have to cancel the contract because they’re not fulfilling what was agreed upon.
- I don’t think it’s fair that they eliminated us from the competition without any evidence.
- Thank you so much! The photos you took at the wedding are great.
- I won’t be able to participate in the concert because I’ll be on vacation then.
- I will not accept work after the due date.
- I won’t be able to go to the movies today, because I’m very tired.
- I don’t think it’s worth going all the way there.
- I think the previous design was better than this one.
