1. B. PREPARING SELF TO BE ASSERTIVE
III. EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION
B. PREPARING SELF TO BE ASSERTIVE

2. THINK & TALK POSITIVELY
This increases self respect and self confidence
Reduces need for approval from others
Allows one to handle conflicts more directly

3. PRACTICE TALKING POSITIVELY

4. IDENTIFY WHO OWNS THE PROBLEM?
Person who owns the problem is the one:
Whose rights have been violated
Whose needs are unmet
Who has stirred up feeling
Who needs to act assertively
Could be you, the other or both of you

5. GIVE AN EXAMPLE
Give an example of a person who owns a problem that you have experienced?

6. HOW TO BE ASSERTIVE: Use “I” statements: I think… I believe… I need…
I cannot…
I do not believe…
I do not want…
EXAMPLE: “I need help with Mr. Jones’ treatment some time this AM, what time would you be free?”

7. Characteristics of “I”messages
“I” messages are
used when you own the problem
simple, direct, respectful way of telling the other person what you think and how you feel
Allow you to take responsibility for your position

8. COMPONENTS TO “I” MESSAGES
I feel (describe the emotion)
about (describe other’s specific observable behavior
because (describe your own violated right or unmet need)
EXAMPLE:
I feel angry
about being yelled at in front of a patient
because I have a right to be addressed respectfully

9. GIVE AN EXAMPLE
Create an I message using all three components of the message