types of assertion

SITUATION: Your partner gets silent, instead of saying what's on their mind. You say,

RESPONSE: I guess you are uncomfortable talking about what's bothering you. I think we can work it out if you tell me what's irritating you.

• Basic assertion

• Empathetic assertion

• Escalating assertion

• Confrontive assertion

• I language assertion

SITUATION: Your friend asks for a ride home and it is inconvenient because you're late and the drive will take you out of your way. You say,

RESPONSE: I am pressed for time today and can take you to a convenient bus stop, but I won't be able to take you home.

• Basic assertion

• Empathetic assertion

• Escalating assertion

• Confrontive assertion

• I language assertion

SITUATION: You keep getting pestered several times this week by a telemarketer You say,

RESPONSE: This is the third time I've been disturbed and each time I've told you that I'm not interested. If you don't stop calling, I'm going to block this number.

• Basic assertion

• Empathetic assertion

• Escalating assertion

• Confrontive assertion

• I language assertion

SITUATION: You make a mistake with a customer's order. The customer yells at you and calls you an idiot.

RESPONSE: I understand that you're upset about this error and it has caused a lot of problems for you. However, please don't raise your voice or use abusive language when you speak to me.

• Basic assertion

• Empathetic assertion

• Escalating assertion

• Confrontive assertion

• I language assertion

SITUATION: Your co-worker keeps asking you out for a date, saying, "Come on baby, what harm can it do to go to lunch with me just this once?" You respond,

RESPONSE: I've already told you that I like our relationship the way it is. I wouldn't feel comfortable with any kind of dating relationship - and that includes lunch. Please stop asking me.

• Basic assertion

• Empathetic assertion

• Escalating assertion

• Confrontive assertion

• I language assertion

I'd like to peacefully continue my work, please lower the volume of the stereo.

• Basic

• Emphatic

• Escalating

• I-Language

I recognize that this learning set up is exhausting, but we cannot stop education for it paves the way to a good future.

• basic

• emphatic

• escalating

• I-Language

If you do not respond within this day, I will cancel our meeting and contact another supplier.

• basic

• emphatic

• escalating

• I-Language

When you forget to knock on the door and barge in, I feel that my privacy is violated. So, please knock when you need to enter my room.

• basic

• emphatic

• escalating

• I-Language

I honestly understand that it's hard to juggle everything---social life, school works, self-care, and family time, but you have to learn how to manage your time to make the most of it.

• basic

• emphatic

• escalating

• I-Language