Lesson Plan

Assertive Communication Skills Workshop

Participants will learn and practice assertive communication techniques to effectively express their needs and resolve conflicts.

Effective communication is crucial for building healthy relationships, both personal and professional. This workshop provides practical skills to express yourself clearly and respectfully, reducing misunderstandings and fostering stronger connections.

Audience

Adults

Time

60 minutes

Approach

Interactive discussions, practical exercises, and a fun game to reinforce learning.

Materials

Speaking Your Truth Effectively (slide-deck), Active Listening Bingo (game), and I Statements Practice Guide (worksheet)

Prep

Workshop Preparation

15 minutes

Review the Speaking Your Truth Effectively Slide Deck to familiarize yourself with the content.
* Print copies of the I Statements Practice Guide Worksheet, one per participant.
* Prepare the materials for Active Listening Bingo Game (print bingo cards, prepare calling phrases).
* Ensure a projector and screen are available for the slide deck.

Step 1

Introduction & Warm-Up

10 minutes

Welcome participants and introduce the topic: "How Can We Communicate Better?"
* Briefly explain the importance of effective communication in daily life.
* Ask participants to share one challenge they face in communication (e.g., being misunderstood, difficulty saying no).

Step 2

Understanding Assertive Communication

15 minutes

Use the Speaking Your Truth Effectively Slide Deck to explain the three communication styles: passive, aggressive, and assertive.
* Focus on the characteristics and benefits of assertive communication.
* Facilitate a short discussion on why assertive communication can be challenging for some people.

Step 3

Practicing "I Statements"

15 minutes

Introduce the concept of "I Statements" as a key assertive communication tool.
* Distribute the I Statements Practice Guide Worksheet.
* Guide participants through the examples and have them complete the practice scenarios individually or in pairs.
* Discuss their responses and offer feedback.

Step 4

Active Listening Bingo Game

15 minutes

Introduce the Active Listening Bingo Game as a fun way to practice listening skills.
* Explain the rules and distribute bingo cards.
* Facilitate the game, calling out scenarios or statements that require active listening responses.
* Briefly discuss the importance of active listening in assertive communication.

Step 5

Wrap-Up & Q&A

5 minutes

Summarize key takeaways from the workshop.
* Open the floor for any remaining questions.
* Encourage participants to practice assertive communication in their daily lives.

Slide Deck

How Can We Communicate Better?

Why is clear communication so important in our daily lives?

Welcome participants and introduce the session. Briefly explain why good communication is essential in everyday life. Ask them to think about a time communication was difficult for them.

Understanding Communication Styles

There are three main ways we communicate:

Passive
Aggressive
Assertive

Introduce the three main communication styles. Explain that understanding these styles helps us identify our own habits and those of others.

Passive Communication

"Whatever you want is fine."

Often avoids expressing needs or opinions.
Prioritizes others' needs over their own.
Can lead to feeling unheard or resentful.

Describe passive communication: avoiding conflict, not expressing needs, often feeling resentful. Give an example.

Aggressive Communication

"You ALWAYS do that!"

Expresses needs in a demanding or hostile way.
Can ignore or disrespect others' feelings.
Often leads to conflict and damaged relationships.

Describe aggressive communication: demanding, confrontational, often disregarding others' feelings. Give an example.

Assertive Communication

"I understand your point, and I need to express mine."

Expresses needs and opinions clearly and respectfully.
Considers both your own and others' rights.
Aims for mutual understanding and problem-solving.
The goal for better communication!

Focus on assertive communication: clear, respectful, expressing needs while considering others. Emphasize it's about being firm but fair. Discuss the benefits.

The Power of "I Statements"

How can we express our feelings and needs without blaming others?

"I Statements" are a powerful tool for assertive communication. They help us:

Take ownership of our feelings.
Clearly state the impact of others' actions.
Reduce defensiveness in conversations.

Introduce "I Statements" as a practical tool for assertive communication. Explain why they are effective (focus on feelings, not blame).

Building an "I Statement"

"I feel [emotion] when [specific behavior] because [impact/need]."

Example:

Instead of: "You always interrupt me!"
Try: "I feel frustrated when I am interrupted because it makes it hard for me to finish my thought."

Provide the structure of an "I Statement" and a simple example. Encourage participants to think about how this changes the tone of a conversation.

Practice Time: Using "I Statements"

Now, let's put it into practice!

We will be working on the I Statements Practice Guide Worksheet.
This will help you build confidence in using this important assertive communication skill.

Transition to the worksheet. Explain that practicing these statements will make them feel more natural.

Beyond Speaking: Active Listening

Assertive communication isn't just about what you say, but also how you listen!

Active Listening means fully focusing on and understanding what the other person is communicating, both verbally and non-verbally.

Introduce the concept of active listening as the other crucial half of assertive communication. Explain its role in understanding others.

Let's Play: Active Listening Bingo!

Ready to test your listening skills in a fun way?

We'll play Active Listening Bingo!
Pay close attention, reflect, and empathize to fill your bingo card.

Transition to the bingo game. Explain it's a fun way to practice listening skills.

Your Voice Matters!

Remember, effective communication is a skill that improves with practice.

Be assertive, not aggressive or passive.
Use "I Statements" to express yourself clearly.
Practice active listening to truly understand others.

Start speaking your truth effectively today!

Summarize the key points of the workshop and encourage continued practice.

Game

Active Listening Bingo!

Objective: To practice and identify key active listening behaviors.

Materials:

One Bingo card per participant (teacher will provide)
Pens or markers

Instructions:

Each square on your Bingo card describes an active listening behavior or a phrase used in active listening.
The teacher will present various scenarios or statements related to communication.
As you listen to the scenarios or other participants share, mark off the squares on your card that correspond to active listening techniques you observe or demonstrate.
You can also mark off a square if you personally use that active listening technique in a discussion during the game.
The first person to get five squares in a row (horizontally, vertically, or diagonally) shouts "BINGO!"
We will verify your Bingo by asking you to identify where you observed or used the active listening techniques you marked.

Bingo Card Examples (Teacher to create/call out):

"Made eye contact with the speaker."
"Nodded head to show understanding."
"Said 'I hear you' or 'I understand.'"
"Asked a clarifying question (e.g., 'Can you explain more?')."
"Paraphrased what the speaker said (e.g., 'So, what I'm hearing is...')."
"Reflected the speaker's feelings (e.g., 'It sounds like you're feeling frustrated.')."
"Avoided interrupting the speaker."
"Put away distractions (phone, etc.)."
"Summarized the main points of the conversation."
"Allowed for silence after the speaker finished."
"Showed empathy (e.g., 'That must be tough.')."
"Did not offer immediate advice."
"Listened without judgment."
"Remembered a detail from earlier in the conversation."
"Responded with an encouraging sound (e.g., 'Mm-hmm,' 'Go on.')."

(Teacher Note: Prepare a list of scenarios or discussion prompts that will naturally elicit these active listening behaviors from participants or allow them to observe these behaviors in others. Encourage open sharing and active participation.)

Worksheet

"I Statements" Practice Guide

Objective: To help you practice constructing clear and assertive "I Statements."

Remember the formula:

"I feel [emotion] when [specific behavior] because [impact/need]."

Practice Scenarios:

For each scenario below, rewrite the aggressive or passive statement into an assertive "I Statement." Fill in the blanks provided, or write your own complete statement.