Learning assertiveness?

February 27, 2008 9:29 AM

I need to find an assertiveness course or workshop in London. A good one.

I don't need self-help books, or tapes, or lectures. I need a course or workshop which will teach me how to assert myself at work and in relationships, instead of just going along with the majority view, deferring to others through 'politeness', or not speaking up at all. I'm not sure if this is a skill I never learned, or if a combination of bad schooling, a succession of shitty employment experiences and a vile divorce have ground it out of me. Probably a combination.

I'm self-funding this so cost is an issue, but I'm not poor so it's not crucial.

posted by anonymous to Education (3 answers total)

I've heard good things about Toastmasters. While the focus is on public speaking, there's a lot of emphasis on listening and conversational skills too. Often learning to articulate an argument smoothly is the first step in feeling able to debate and assert yourself.

By the way, your question is pretty assertive!
posted by Happy Dave at 9:44 AM on February 27, 2008

The City Lit in Holborn has several assertiveness and related courses - here, here, here and here.

I haven't done any of these particular courses myself so can't vouch for them, but I have done several others at the City Lit and found them to be excellent.
posted by Acarpous at 9:54 AM on February 27, 2008

Happy Dave beat me to it. I was going to say Toastmasters might be a good suggestion. You can always go and see what it's about with no commitment.
posted by Hates_ at 2:37 PM on February 27, 2008