Assertive communicators as effective communicators in media society

Communication Media

Assertive Communicators

Communication is a course of action in which the information, ideas, thoughts, feelings, emotions, opinions and knowledge are exchanged between two or more people. This meaningful interaction can be in the form of speech, signals, writing, or behavior. This two-way interaction is an integral process not only in the on a daily basis but is equally significant at the workplace, as it helps elevating the communication gap (Wood 2011).

However, effective communication is essential in order to have successful exchange of clear ideas and information between the parties. Indeed, the individuals at the workplace must possess the ability to effective communication. This is vital as it leads to planning, organizing, leading and controlling in a successful and effectual manner. Moreover, poor communication amongst the workforce and the management would be a huge loss to the organization and in achieving overall aims and objectives (Wood 2011).

There are many styles of communication that a person can exercise while interacting with others in various aspects of life. In this regard, considering the communication styles, assertive, aggressive, passive and passive-aggressive are the four primary types used in general.

Aggressive communicator is a manipulator by nature that simply focuses on strategies (that include intimidation, coercion, hurting, anger, and so on) to make others execute the things that wish for with core focus on accomplishment of their needs and ideas only. This means that the feelings of empathy and respect for others do not exists in them due to which they often converse in loud tones. They have poor listening skills, as they regularly butt in when others speak as they are unwilling to listen to others. The aggressive communicator emasculates trust, healthy relationship and mutual respect with others (Davis, Fanning & McKay 2009).

While on the other hand, passive communicators are quite opposite to aggressive communicators, as they are soft spoken people. Furthermore, passive communicators evade expressing their ideas, emotions and thoughts by normally speaking very less and attempt to stay away from all sorts of arguments, disagreements and conflicts. Other people can easily violate and breach the right of passive communicators due to which their needs remain unfulfilled, and as a consequence, they tend to have resentful feeling and develop low self-esteem (Masters & Wallace 2010).

The third type of communicator, passive-aggressive communicator usually mumbles about people behind their back with using mean and insensitive words for them. They play a manipulative role in putting their ideas ahead, (constrained by aggression) instead of having a direct confrontation to the issues (acting in a passive way). Passive-aggressive communicator also lacks self-confidence with elevated feeling of bitterness and anger. This type of communications usually happens in workplace environment, known as office politics. In the long run, the passive communication impoverishes the bonding and shared respect (Nielsen 2008).

However, amongst all the four styles of communication, assertive communicator is considerably the most effective and efficient type of communicator. When an individual employs the assertive style of communication, he/she conveys the message in a natural and unsurprising manner. This means that the person is confident and self-assured about communicating his/her ideas, thoughts or feelings to others (Schwartz 2001).

In addition, the individual does not possess a manipulating nature while demonstrating his/her ideas. This denotes that the assertive communicator is able to express his/her needs, ideas, and emotions in clear, open, forthright, honest and straightforward manner while remaining peaceful, polite and courteous. This clear and open expression of ideas and information boosts the level of self-confidence, self-esteem and self-respect amongst the assertive communicator. With the qualities of assertiveness, the individual is able to accomplish his/her goals and objectives in a successful manner (Pfeiffer & Pfeiffer 2010).

Studies has also provided evidences that assertive communicators persistently put efforts in coming up with solutions that can work in mutual interest and satisfaction for everybody. This is due to the reason that healthy relationships and associations with others is of prime concern for them, therefore, they tend to have their core emphasis on conflict resolution with a win-win situation at all times. Moreover, they believe on having solutions for disagreements because they hold the quality of listening and negotiation (Pfeiffer & Pfeiffer 2010).

In this regard, assertive communicators value the rights of others while being firm on their perspectives simultaneously with efficient communication of ideas, as they respect their viewpoints as well. Assertive communicator by being a part of the solution instead of the problem begets the individual to earn more respect from others in the surrounding. This also leads to the development and sustainability of strong, healthy and honest relationships with others. With the assertive nature, the individuals have the proficiency to construct a respectful environment, which creates a healthy platform for all people to grow and enhance their skills (Schwartz 2001).

It is also prudent to note that assertive nature of communication smooth the progress of the individual in controlling and maintaining their stress and anger. Considering the health issues, extensive researches has also suggested that assertive style of communication also aid and support the individuals from managing and dealing well with quite a few psychologically health related issues and concerns that take account of depression, skinniness, eating disorders, anxiety and so forth (Schwartz 2001).

By being psychologically robust, assertive communicators are able to enhance their communication skills, thus, leading to better communication. Nevertheless, the fact cannot come under ignorance that assertive communicators are effective because they do not plunge and thrust their ideas on others. Furthermore, assertive communicators do not hold others' responsible for their actions and take the complete responsibility of their actions on own shoulders (Pfeiffer & Pfeiffer 2010).

Upon comparison of assertive communicator with other styles of communicators, assertive is effectual because they exchange the words in a direct and respectful manner with their core focus on the conversation. While, the other communicator styles normally get off from the track of their original message as they are excessively eventful in counter acting to the delivered conversation (Nielsen 2008).

Considering the real-life example of a road accident between two cars, all the types of communicator would have different and diverse reactions and responses to the same situation. Looking at the aggressive communicator, this person would frighten and screech the driver of the other car, even if he is not mistaken. The assertive communicator would have a conversation with the other driver related to the insurance, but in a cool and nonviolent manner in order to come up to a mutual beneficial solution.