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Assertive Communication

Learn fundamental skills for being an assertive communicator.
Preview the first lesson free — get full access to all 6 lessons.
Course: On-Demand
Intermediate Provider Samantha Severson  6 Lessons ·  15m  in Arabic, German, English, Spanish, French, Portuguese, Chinese 

Course Description

Assertive communication is a fundamental skill needed for successful leadership. How can you be assertive? By being straightforward, setting boundaries, and learning to say no. Assertive leaders know that it’s okay to clearly express needs and wants. Assertive communicators are respectful, not aggressive. They’re neither passive nor passive-aggressive—they’re honest. One quality that often makes assertive communicators so dynamic is their emotional intelligence and the ability to clearly express their needs and wants. But what does this look like in the business world?

In these lessons on Assertive Communication, you’ll learn what assertive communication is and how it’s beneficial. You’ll explore other forms of communication including passive, aggressive, and passive-aggressive styles, and why assertive communication is preferable to all of them. You’ll discover the connection between assertive communication and emotional intelligence and how these skills can benefit you. You’ll also see how high levels of emotional intelligence can make you more self-aware and help you to build relationships. By understanding assertive communication and its benefits, you’ll be able to see how it has practical applications for a variety of social situations.

What You'll Learn

  • Define assertive communication and explain how it is beneficial
  • Distinguish between passive, aggressive, and passive-aggressive communication styles
  • Identify the four domains of emotional intelligence
  • Explore the connection between assertive communication and emotional intelligence
  • Express your feelings, opinions, and wants clearly and respectfully
  • Apply assertive communication to a variety of social and business situations

Key Takeaways

  • Assertive communication is a fundamental skill needed for successful leadership.
  • Being assertive means being straightforward, setting boundaries, and learning to say no.
  • Assertive communicators are respectful and honest, rather than aggressive, passive, or passive-aggressive.
  • Assertive communication is connected to emotional intelligence, which can build self-awareness and stronger relationships.
  • Understanding assertive communication enables practical applications across a variety of social situations.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this course about?

This course teaches what assertive communication is and how it is beneficial. It covers passive, aggressive, and passive-aggressive communication styles, why assertive communication is preferable to them, and the connection between assertive communication and emotional intelligence.

Who is this course for?

The course is geared toward leaders and professionals, since assertive communication is described as a fundamental skill needed for successful leadership and has practical applications in the business world.

What skills will I gain from this course?

You will learn to define assertive communication, describe the difference between passive, aggressive, and passive-aggressive communication styles, and identify the four domains of emotional intelligence. You will also learn to clearly express your feelings, opinions, and wants.

How is assertive communication different from being aggressive?

Assertive communicators are respectful, not aggressive. They are neither passive nor passive-aggressive; they are honest and clearly express their needs and wants.

What lessons are included in this course?

Lessons include an Introduction, What is Assertive Communication?, Passive, Aggressive, and Passive-Aggressive Communication, Emotional Intelligence and Assertive Communication, Expressing Your Feelings, Opinions, and Wants, and a Test Your Knowledge assessment.

Professional Certifications and Continuing Education Units (CEUs)

Project Management Institute (PMI®)

Professional Development Units (PDUs): 0.5

Certification Program Categories:
Ways of WorkingPower SkillsBusiness Acumen

KnowledgeCity has been reviewed and approved by the PMI® Authorized Training Partner Program. Users can maintain your PMI credentials by earning PDUs from KnowledgeCity qualified courses in Project Management, Business Management, Leadership and many others.