Listening: Assertive

Listen to a radio interview between a radio host and Martin Miller, a psychologist, discussing how being assertive affects our lives.

According to Martin, saying 'No'

• shows your respect for other people.

• is always the right thing to do.

• can be beneficial.

Listen to a radio interview between a radio host and Martin Miller, a psychologist, discussing how being assertive affects our lives.

People who are assertive

• are fearless.

• communicate more successfully.

• have more personal qualities than those who aren't.

Listen to a radio interview between a radio host and Martin Miller, a psychologist, discussing how being assertive affects our lives.

What is one negative effect of not being assertive?

• Non-assertive people don't treat others fairly.

• Non-assertive people may feel or become ill.

• Non-assertive people don't know what's important.

Listen to a radio interview between a radio host and Martin Miller, a psychologist, discussing how being assertive affects our lives.

Mary can't say 'No' to her boss

• although she is already dissatisfied at work.

• because she doesn't have enough work to do.

• as he is very good at negotiating.

Listen to a radio interview between a radio host and Martin Miller, a psychologist, discussing how being assertive affects our lives.

Mary's sister

• calls regularly to see how Mary is.

• is very sensitive to Mary's needs

• gives the impression of being selfish.

Listen to a radio interview between a radio host and Martin Miller, a psychologist, discussing how being assertive affects our lives.

People like Mary

• are fully aware of what is happening to them.

• become ill from bottling up their feelings.

• secretly enjoy being victimised.

Listen to a radio interview between a radio host and Martin Miller, a psychologist, discussing how being assertive affects our lives.

The first step towards becoming more assertive is to

• stop caring about other people's problems.

• keep people at a distance.

• refuse to take on other people's responsibilities.