Refer to Handout #3: “Communicating Successfully”. Read the handout aloud or assign different students to read aloud.

Assertiveness means to be honest about your needs and to express yourself so you will get those needs met.
Examples:

• "I do not want to get involved.”
• “I need to talk about this problem.”
• “I can’t go along with that.”

A hostile or aggressive person is not assertive.
Examples:

• “This is another one of your dumb ideas.”
• “You always mess things up.”
• “You always think of yourself first.”

Pouting or giving-in for the sake of peace is not assertive. Examples:

• “Well, if that’s what you want.”
• “Well, I guess I have no choice then.”
• “You always get your way.”

Poor listening skills or habits of a boring person can be seen as:

• Topic switching
• Avoiding eye contact
• Interrupting others when they are speaking
• Interpreting a statement
• Appearing bored
• Laughing off any and all topics, serious or otherwise
• Preparing the answer while the other person is still talking

Good listening skills or habits of a more interesting and confident person are:

• Making eye contact
• Hearing not only the person’s statement, but also watching expressions
• Trying to learn from others
• Respecting the speaker’s opinion
• Not ending a conversation even when it becomes dull
• Leaning toward and looking at the person who is speaking
• Responding with comments and acknowledgements