Today we are starting a brand new series on assertiveness.
Assertiveness is very important when you speak English, because it helps you express your thoughts clearly and confidently.
You don't feel shy and you don't feel afraid.
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Okay, let's start.
So, what is assertiveness?
Assertiveness means saying what you think, what you want or what you feel in a clear and confident way.
You are honest. but you're also respectful.
You express yourself without feeling scared, and you do it in a polite way.
Assertiveness is not the same as being aggressive.
When you're aggressive, you don't listen to others.
When you are passive, you don't say what you want.
But when you're assertive, You are clear, honest, and respectful.
Why is assertiveness important?
Being assertive helps you speak more confidently in English.
Ask for what you need and set clear boundaries.
And, most importantly, it makes communication easier, because when you are clear, People understand you better.
Let's learn how to be more assertive.
Here are some simple tips to practice assertiveness.
Number 1.
Use clear words.
Say what you want clearly.
I need more time to finish this.
Or, I want to practice my English more.
Number 2.
Say no politely.
It's okay to say no sometimes.
For example, I appreciate your invitation, but I can't come this time.
Number 3.
Ask for help when you need it.
If you need help, just ask.
For example, Could you help me understand this part, please?
Number four.
Express your opinions calmly.
Share your ideas, even if they're different.
For example, In my opinion, I think it would be better this way.
Great!
Now that you understand what assertiveness is and why it's important, we are going to practice with a mini-story.
I'll tell you a short story.
Then I'll ask you questions.
After each question, you'll answer out loud.
Then I'll confirm the correct answer.
This helps you think in English and improve your speaking.
Ready?
Let's go.
Daniel was very quiet at work.
He worked in an office with many people, but he never asked questions.
Even when he didn't understand something, he stayed silent.
Who was very quiet at work?
Daniel.
Daniel was very quiet at work.
Did Daniel work alone or with many people?
He didn't work alone.
He worked with many people.
Did he ask questions he didn't understand?
No, he didn't ask questions.
He stayed silent.
What did he do when he didn't understand?
He stayed silent.
When he didn't understand something, Daniel stayed silent.
Every day, Daniel will listen to his boss explain different tasks.
Sometimes his boss spoke very fast or used difficult words, but Daniel didn't ask for help.
Did Daniel listen to his boss every day?
Yes.
He listened to his boss every day.
Did the boss always speak slowly?
No.
Sometimes the boss spoke very fast.
Did Daniel ask for help when he didn't understand?
No, he didn't ask for help.
Why didn't Daniel ask for help?
He was too shy and stayed silent.
One day, his boss gave him a new project.
Daniel looked at the instructions but didn't understand them.
He tried to figure it out by himself, but he got confused.
He spent hours trying to understand, but it didn't work.
Did Daniel receive a new project?
Yes, his boss gave him a new project Did he understand the instructions?
No, he didn't understand the instructions Did he ask for help immediately?
No, he didn't ask for help.
He tried to figure it out by himself.
Did Daniel solve the problem by himself?
No.
He spent hours trying, but it didn't work.
The next day, Daniel was very tired.
He stayed up late trying to understand the project. but he couldn't make any progress.
He knew he needed help, but he still felt nervous about asking.
Finally, he decided to be assertive.
Was Daniel tired the next day?
Yes, he was tired.
Did he stay up late trying to understand the project?
Yes, he stayed up late trying to understand it.
Did he make any progress?
No, he didn't make any progress.
Did Daniel decide to ask for help?
Yes, he decided to be assertive and ask for help.
He walked up to his boss' office and knocked on the door.
His hands were shaking a little, but he was determined.
He said, Excuse me, I want to make sure I understand the project correctly.
Could you explain it again, please?
Did Daniel go to his boss' office?
Yes, he went to his boss's office.
Did he feel nervous or confident?
He felt nervous, but he was determined.
Did he ask his boss for help?
Yes, he asked his boss for help Was he polite when he asked?
Yes, he was very polite Was he assertive?
Yes, Daniel was polite and assertive.
His boss smiled and said, Of course, Daniel.
I'm happy you asked.
He took time to explain the project step by step, and Daniel asked more questions to be sure he understood.
This time he felt confident and clear.
That's the end of today's mini-story.
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I'll be back next week with a brand new episode.
Bye-bye.
Get the transcript now at SpeakEnglishPodcast.com.
