Speaking up for yourself isn’t always easy, especially when emotions run high or you’re unsure how your words will be received. But learning to use assertive communication—speaking clearly and calmly while still being kind—can make a big difference. It’s not about being pushy or staying silent; it’s about finding the balance between honesty and respect.
The Assertive Communication Worksheets include two interactive worksheets that nicely complement each other. The Assertive Communication worksheet invites clients to reflect on their communication style by practicing “I” statements and writing assertive responses. The My Assertiveness Plan helps them create a personal plan by choosing a real situation where they want to be more assertive, identify what usually happens, and preparing a better response.
As kids and teens complete these activities, they begin to understand that being assertive can be learned, practiced, and applied in everyday situations. To continue practicing, families and teachers can keep an “I said it” chart where kids can write down times they spoke up assertively during the week and reflect on how it felt or what they might try next.
Our Assertive Communication handout can provide additional guidance related to this skill.
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Want more resources like this? Check out our full catalog of social skills worksheets.
References:
- Márquez-Cabellos, N. G., & Ramos-Ramírez, B. N. (2024). Assertive communication of teachers for the generation of inclusive environments. Assertiveness in Educational and Pedagogical Strategies for Institutional Competitiveness, 179-192. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-58885-3_9
- Nikolaiev, L., Herasina, S., Hrechanovska, O., Vlasenko, O., Skliarenko, S., & Hrande, K. (2023). The development of assertiveness of the individual as a subject of communication. Revista Romaneasca pentru Educatie Multidimensionala, 15(2), 210-228. https://doi.org/10.18662/rrem/15.2/730
- Parfanovych, I., Kyrychenko, V., Petrochko, Z., Necherda, V., Koropetska, O., & Lavrentieva, I. (2022). Peculiarities of assertiveness development and ways of socialization of personality in adolescence. BRAIN. Broad Research in Artificial Intelligence and Neuroscience, 13(4), 163-181. https://doi.org/10.18662/brain/13.4/381
