Be An Assertive Communicator

By Zoe Smith If you live in this world, you will have come into contact with thousands of people since you've been born. Because we always have people around us all the time, it is very important that we learn how to best express ourselves and develop excellent communication skills to strengthen our professional and personal relationships. Learn more about assertive communication and how we can maximize this today. There are several kinds of communication styles we have knowledge of. Passive communicators are individuals who have low self-esteem and will avoid expressing their own views and opinions. Aggressive communicators on the other hand, also have low self-esteem but express it by being abusive and inconsiderate of another person's rights. Some people are classified as passive-aggressive. These people seem passive but are subtly undermining the other person because they are angry, resentful and feel powerless. It goes without saying that these are not very good communication styles. In fact, if you think this is you, you need to seriously check yourself and purpose to change before you lose people's respect or drive them away. Nobody is perfect and unless you can walk on water and are born of a virgin-expect to make mistakes. Learn from it and move on from here. If these aren't the ideal forms of communication, then what is the best way? The most ideal communicators are assertive communicators. What are some of their qualities? They are individuals who have a healthy self image and self esteem. Therefore they can advocate their rights while being respectful of others. They are direct and open. Being assertive benefits your professional life greatly. Being forthright, confident and honest are key proponents to effective decision making techniques. As opposed to passive decision makers who do not command respect; or aggressive personalities who are combative and oftentimes seen as too rude-assertive people solicit trust and inspire people to cooperate towards a single goal. Assertive people on the other hand will inspire trust and support that is needed in achieving goals. Good assertive communication will also make for better personal relationships. When people we love have things that need to be corrected- either we shun away from doing it because we don't want to hurt their feelings, or correct them in an inappropriate and upsetting way. We need to learn how to correct them in a loving and respectful manner for their own personal growth. So how do we become more assertive and confident? What you need to do to achieve this particular quality is to endeavor to know yourself more and with that, love yourself better. Of course, no matter how well you deal with others-miscommunication cannot be avoided at times. When it happens, do not feel bad about it. Do what you know to do and don't allow that from hindering you to live the way you deserve. Enjoy life with all its possibilities and experience an absolutely richer life when you do! About the Author: Effective decision making techniques make for excellent leaders. Go to BrigitteSmith.com and uncover valuable resources on assertive communication that all leaders need to know about today.