A way of describing assertiveness is being forthright which is a particular form or style of communication where people clearly state their thoughts to another person in a straight forward way while remaining cool, calm and collected. This clear way of communication reduces any ambiguity, mis-interpretations or mis-representation. For example, simply responding ‘Yes’ or ‘No’ to a question makes the answer very clear.

Assertiveness is a very useful form of communication as it helps people to express what they want regarding their thoughts, feelings, opinions, ideas, wishes, concerns, interests, etc. It also enables people to say what they don’t want such as saying ‘No’, to specific proposals, refusing unacceptable conditions, having the right to disagree with other people and not to be ignored. In doing so, it may also require some personal strength to be insistent, firm, determined and a degree of confidence to stand up for what you want.

Assertiveness can sometimes be confused with aggressiveness where people have a major confrontation that involves arguing, shouting, being ill-tempered, becoming angry or using threats. However, assertiveness is about expressing your views clearly while staying in control rather than becoming agitated and losing control and although people have the right to express their views, they may not always be successful in getting what they want.