Two Critical Communication Skills - Assertiveness and Listening (Or Are They?)

Communication Help, Tips and Advice About Assertiveness and Listening

Assertiveness (or assertive communication) and listening are two sets of skill commonly described as essential to effective interpersonal communication. It's true they are important, but what people don't tell you is that these sets of skills have limits, don't always work, and in some situations, are simply NOT advisable.

On this page you can access indepth information about assertiveness and listening techniques, their uses, and when they should not be used, or are likely to fail.

Read These First

• Important issues with assertiveness and listening use in the real world

Assertiveness and Assertive Communication

What is assertive communication?

Listening Techniques

• Myths about listening
• Why does my attention drift when I'm listening?
• Is there a quick way to assess my listening ability?
• What are the major barriers to listening that I should consciously try to overcome?
• What is "critical listening?"
• What is "dialogic listening?"
• How does listening to others increase the likelihood others will listen to me?
• Eight bad habits that impede listening - part I
• Eight bad habits that impede listening - part II