Assertive Communication Worksheet
“I” Statements Technique
“I” statements are a direct method of expressing needs through communicating one’s feelings.
Directions: Note the two styles of communicating a message. Using the assertive communication example,
write down how you might rephrase some of the challenges you’ve experienced in your relationships.
Comparing Styles
“I feel like you don’t care about me when I ask for
Conflict style communication example: help because all you do is moan and get defensive.
Then I end up doing everything anyway.”
“When I ask for help at home but do all the
chores myself, I feel unappreciated and
Assertive communication style example:
overwhelmed. I’d like for us to set a schedule
with a fair division of chores.”
Example assertive communication scenarios:
“When you [insert action], I feel [insert emotion], and I need [insert request/boundary].”
Feedback notes from roleplay or practicing at home:
[Link]
Assertive Communication Worksheet
Empathetic Technique
Empathy provides the opportunity to show you care about the other person’s feelings while still asserting your
needs. Empathetic assertion can reduce the likelihood of a defensive or aggressive response because you’re
being sensitive to the other person. Using empathy also avoids making assumptions about the other person’s
thoughts, feelings, or behavior, which can be a cause of conflict.
Directions: Educate about this assertive communication style using the example below, or with client-specific
examples. Then, go over the key principles of empathetic assertive communication using the diagram and
practice using this technique.
Conflict style:
“I don’t care if you’re busy. I need you to listen to me because I’m fed up with waiting.”
Principles of Empathetic Assertive Communication
• Empathy: Acknowledge the other person’s feelings or challenges to
Empathy
show you are mindful about their needs.
• Assertiveness: Clearly and directly assert your needs and feelings in a
Assertiveness
straightforward way, while being respectful of the other person.
• Inquiry: Ask open questions to find out how the other person is feeling
Inquiry or ask how they would solve the challenge.
Empathetic assertive style example:
“I understand you’re busy with your project at work. I have a pressing issue that I need your support with
and would like to find time in the next 24 hours to discuss. Can you suggest the most convenient time
for us to connect?”
[Link]
Assertive Communication Worksheet
Empathetic Technique
Now, practice using this technique:
“I understand [insert your observation of the person’s feelings or situation]. However, I need to [insert
needs] by/within [insert timeline]. Can you [insert option for them to choose when to meet the need].”
Feedback notes from roleplay or practicing at home:
[Link]
Assertive Communication Worksheet
For Teenagers
This worksheet illustrates the differences between assertive, passive, and aggressive communication for teens.
Directions: Using the worksheet, describe how the different styles of communication can cause conflict, then work
through specific examples of how to use assertive communication. Offer the opportunity for roleplay and feedback.
Communication Style Explanation What It Looks Like
Passive Communication Passive, as the term suggests, • Poor eye contact
puts others’ feelings and
needs first, resulting in you • Non-confrontational
feeling unheard and that your • Quiet/soft spoken
needs and feelings are not
important. • Puts others first
• Does not assert own
needs
• Lower confidence
• Struggles to express
feelings
• Feeling helpless
Examples
“I’ll give you my snacks if you want them.”
“I’m not going to say anything because I don’t like fighting.”
“I don’t like it when you get angry, so you can go first.”
[Link]
Assertive Communication Worksheet
For Teenagers
This worksheet illustrates the differences between assertive, passive, and aggressive communication for teens.
Directions: Using the worksheet, describe how the different styles of communication can cause conflict, then work
through specific examples of how to use assertive communication. Offer the opportunity for roleplay and feedback.
Communication Style Explanation What It Looks Like
Aggressive Communication Aggressive communication • Angry facial expressions
can be confrontational, only
prioritizes the angry person’s • Disrespectful
needs, and can be threatening. • Humiliates, puts down,
It is disrespectful, especially or criticizes the other
when insults are used, and can person
lead to more heated conflicts.
• Voice be loud or the
person may shout
• Asserts only their needs
• Intimidates the other
person
• Unwillingness to
compromise
Examples
“You can only play this game if you follow my rules.”
“You’re so silly. I don’t like you, and I don’t care what you think.”
“Leave me alone. I don’t want to play with you.”
[Link]
Assertive Communication Worksheet
For Teenagers
This worksheet illustrates the differences between assertive, passive, and aggressive communication for teens.
Directions: Using the worksheet, describe how the different styles of communication can cause conflict, then work
through specific examples of how to use assertive communication. Offer the opportunity for roleplay and feedback.
Communication Style Explanation What It Looks Like
Assertive Communication Prioritizes both people’s needs, • Respectful
and shows empathy and
willingness to compromise or • Good eye contact
find a solution in a respectful • Standing tall or sitting
way. upright and facing the
person
• Honest
• Direct
• Calm voice
• Expresses feelings and
needs
• Confident
Examples
“That game isn’t my favorite; can we play X instead?”
“It hurt my feelings when you said X about X. Will you please stop saying those things?”
“I don’t like surprise visits. Will you please text me first before coming over?”
[Link]