The ability to be aggressive in conversation is essential. Being more assertive might help you get your ideas across and avoid being silenced. This tool may also assist you in doing so without violating the rights or beliefs of others.
You may improve your self-esteem and gain others’ respect by learning to be more forceful. Stress management and assertiveness skills may benefit from this. If you have a hard time saying “no,” as is common among people who take on too much, this strategy may be extremely helpful.
Some individuals appear to be inherently forceful. However, you may develop your assertiveness if you lack it.
Justifications for using direct speech
Assertiveness is an effective and diplomatic kind of communication since it is founded on mutual respect. A person who values themselves enough to advocate for themselves and make their opinions known is an assertive person. It also shows that you value the rights of others and are prepared to mediate disputes.
It’s not simply the message you convey that matters, but how you convey it. A courteous and forthright approach characterizes assertive speech. If you want to get your point across, you need to be confident with the assertive communication. When people are preoccupied with how you’re delivering your message, they may miss what you really wanted to say.
Comparing aggressive and passive actions
If your manner is quiet or nonassertive, you may look to be bashful or too easygoing. The phrase “I’ll simply go with whatever the group chooses” may be a common one for you to use. You’re not one to seek out arguments. I don’t see the issue there. Because it implies that your own emotions and perspectives are less significant than those of others. When you give other people too much leeway to disregard your needs and wishes, you are being passive.
Take this as an illustration: Even though you’re swamped, you agree to take on a coworker’s extra assignment. You’ll have to put in additional hours, missing your daughter’s soccer game because of all the extra work. It’s possible that you just want everyone to get along. It’s dangerous to your relationships if you consistently choose yes. Even worse, putting everyone else’s demands before your own may lead to internal strife.
When people are inactive, it may cause tension inside themselves, which can then lead to:
- Tension and Resentment
- Flaring rage
- Wanting to get even
- Questioning or second-guessing our own decisions
Differentiating assertiveness and aggression
Think about the other viewpoint now. Aggressive behavior might make you seem insensitive to the wants, needs, and perspectives of others around you. You can come out as arrogant or superior. People who are very aggressive may be humiliating to others around them and even dangerous if they resort to physical force.
You may assume that being assertive gives you what you desire. However, there is a price to pay. Aggression erodes credibility and diminishes regard amongst individuals. If people start to resent you, they can start avoiding or fighting you.
