Assertive Communication

Tracy Robb

[anvplayer video=”5138155″ station=”998128″]

There are four main styles of communication, passive, aggressive, passive-aggressive, and assertive. Dr. Karin Ryan, a licensed psychologist with Nystrom & Associates explains the four steps to assertive communication. Assertive communication is described as when you respect and honor your needs while also honoring the needs of the other person. The four steps are:

  1. Listen & Connect
  2. Express – using “I” statements
  3. Specify – clearly state the actions which you want from the other person
  4. Outcome – what you anticipate or negative aspects if no change