Assertiveness Basics
When you speak up for yourself and others in a way that’s respectful, you’re being this.
What is assertive?
If someone cuts in line, you can be assertive by saying this.
What is, 'Excuse me, I was next in line'?
If someone asks you to do something you don’t want to do, you can start your response with this word.
What is 'no'?
When you’re being assertive, you look at the person and maintain this.
What is eye contact?
When someone takes your seat at lunch, you can assertively say this.
What is, 'That’s my seat. Can you please move?'
This is the opposite of being aggressive. It means you don’t let people walk all over you, but you stay kind.
What is being assertive?
When a friend borrows something and doesn’t return it, you can be assertive by doing this.
What is asking them nicely to give it back?
When a friend keeps asking you to do something after you said no, this is the best way to stick to your decision.
What is repeating your no calmly?
Standing like this—straight but relaxed—shows you’re confident.
What is good posture?
If your teacher gives you too much homework, you can assertively ask for help by saying this.
What is, 'I’m struggling to finish everything. Can we talk about it?
When you’re assertive, you use these kinds of statements that start with 'I.
What are 'I' statements?
When someone teases you, being assertive means saying this kind of response.
What is, 'I don’t like that. Please stop'?
If you’re not sure yet, this phrase can buy you time: 'Let me think about it and get back to you.'
What is a delay?
You use this kind of voice when you’re assertive: not too soft, not too loud.
What is a clear voice?
If your sibling borrows your stuff without asking, you can say this.
What is, 'Please ask me next time before taking my things'?
Assertive communication is different from these two styles: one lets people push you around, and the other is too bossy.
What are passive and aggressive?
If you’re in a group project and no one listens to your idea, you can assertively say this.
What is, 'I’d like to share my idea, too'?
When you want to say no but still be nice, you can say this: 'I can’t do that, but maybe I can help another time.'
What is a polite way to say no?
These can send the wrong message, like crossing your arms or looking at the ground.
What is closed body language?
If someone invites you to a party but you don’t want to go, you can say this assertively.
What is, 'Thanks for inviting me, but I can’t make it'?
Being assertive means you do this with problems instead of avoiding problems or starting fights
What is solving problems?
If someone is arguing with you, being assertive means keeping this tone of voice.
What is calm and steady?
Saying no assertively means you don’t feel this afterward.
What is guilty?
When you’re assertive, your face shows this expression—calm, not angry or scared.
What is a neutral or calm expression?
If a group of kids is pressuring you to do something you don’t want to, you assertively say this.
What is, 'No thanks, I don’t want to do that'?