How Can You Be More Assertive?

During an Improving Communications workshop, I asked a question that immediately had hands flying up from participants in the room:

“How many of you have ever wanted to be more assertive in the workplace but didn’t know how?”

It became very clear that assertiveness is a skill many people want to master. Before anything else we need to understand what it truly means.

If someone told you, “Be more assertive!” what would you do? Many people confuse assertiveness with aggression, thinking it means speaking louder in meetings or using dramatic gestures to make a point.

But Aggressive and Assertive are worlds apart. Being assertive is about confidently expressing your needs and standing up for yourself and others — without crossing the line into hostility or disrespect.

How can you put assertiveness into action at work?

Here are three ways you can display assertive behavior in the workplace:

Put Assertiveness Into Practice: Your Guide to Growth

Being assertive is an ongoing journey, not a one-time fix. The strategies discussed above—focusing on body language, choosing your words wisely, and using accuracy over exaggeration—are all powerful starting points. But now comes the part of moving from knowing these tips to truly living them in your daily life?

Practice Makes Progress

Like any skill, assertiveness improves with practice. Start small. The next time you’re in a meeting, make a conscious effort to sit up straight, maintain eye contact, and contribute. Even when you feel nervous, remind yourself that your perspective is valuable to the discussion. The more you practice, the more natural that assertive communication style will feel.

Reflect and Adjust

Each time, take a moment to reflect afterwards. Did you express your thoughts confidently? Did you listen actively and respond with respect? If something didn’t go as planned, don’t be discouraged. Instead, think about what you might try next time. Self-reflection is a major key to growth.

Prepare for Difficult Conversations

Assertiveness is especially important during challenging discussions— it could be negotiating responsibilities, addressing a conflict, or advocating for yourself. But before these conversations, prepare yourself. Have an outline of the facts for yourself, have a goal for the conversation, and rehearse what you want to say. Being prepared will help you stay calm and focused, even if emotions run high.

Seek Feedback and Support

Ask for feedback from colleagues or mentors you trust. They can offer valuable insights into how your communication style is perceived and suggest areas for improvement. Try a workshop or training session focused on assertiveness or on general communication skills.

Celebrate Your Progress

Finally, recognize and celebrate your successes—no matter how small. Each time you speak up for yourself, set a boundary, or express your needs clearly, you’re building your assertiveness muscle.

By focusing on your body language, choosing your words thoughtfully, and sticking to the facts, you’ll not only become a more assertive communicator but also foster stronger relationships and greater respect in your workplace. Assertiveness isn’t about being the loudest voice in the room—it’s about being clear, confident, and authentic. With practice and intention, you’ll find yourself navigating workplace challenges with greater ease and making a positive, lasting impact.

This content is a part of our Staff Development Suite, and our Speakers Bureau catalog. If you’re looking for ways to improve your communication skills, register for one of our public classes.

More Resources:

Assertive – the Definition

6 Ways You Can Be More Assertive In The Workplace

How to Be More Assertive at Work (Without Being a Jerk)

Photo by Christina Morillo on Pixels