People Skills: How to Assert Yourself

Being assertive does not mean raising your voice.

You want to become more assertive but you don't want to become a pushy, loud person people dislike. Being assertive is being self-assured. You will change your attitude once you learn how an assertive person acts and reacts in situations. It will take some practice, but once you adopt an assertive manner, your people skills will improve greatly.

Instructions

1. Make eye contact when you speak to people. Smile and be confident. When you speak, do not use a monotone voice. If someone begins to tune you out, get their attention by saying her name or touching his arm.

2. Ask questions if you do not understand something. Do not get sidetracked if you're still unclear. Sometimes a bully will argue because he doesn't know the correct answer.

3. Be honest when someone wants to take up your time, asks you a question or requests money. Answer yes or no without hesitating or feeling embarrassed. Assertive people do what they want without guilt.

4. Stand up for yourself. If you disagree, calmly say so and point out that there are two ways to look at any situation. You are allowed to have an opinion.

References

• Assert Yourself Effectively
• Asserting Yourself: Getting over the Intimidation Factor