ASSERTIVENESS

Assertiveness means standing  up for what  one wants or believes in. It involves communicating ones feelings and needs without violating the rights of other people. In other words, assertiveness is communicating feelings and needs while respecting the rights of others.
POINTS TO NOTE ABOUT ASSERTIVENESS
1. Being assertive means speaking up for what one wants or saying how one feels.
2. Assertiveness is different from aggressiveness.
3. Failure to be assertive may cause one to feel angry and, as a result act aggressively at some future time.
4. Being assertive does not ensure that people will always get what they want, but it enhances self esteem to express oneself.
5. Behaviour that helps people to be more assertive includes being honest and being directive. Speaking up for oneself and taking responsibility for ones feelings and needs.

IMPORTANCE  OF ASSERTIVENESS
As a D L I learner, you  need to be assertive because of the following
1. It will enable you to avoid exploitation
2. It will increase your self esteem
3. It gives you a sense of fulfilment
4. It enables you get what you want while earning respect
5. It  can promote friendship.
ASSERTIVENESS SKILS
Assertiveness involves
· Taking a position
· Stating and repeating ones position
· Taking the offensive if need be
· Offering a compromise, if need be
· Refusing further discussion
· Walking away from the scene.
As a D L I learner, you need to be assertive in certain situation, such as :
· When refusing a request
· When claiming your rights
· When resisting peer pressure
· When negotiating
· When  your values are being challenged
· When expressing your needs and feelings