Jillian Schouten

COMM 2110
Proposal Assignment
9/25/15

Goal:
In interactions and conversations with my family, friends and community members,
I will be more assertive, protecting and pursing my own best interests without
denying the other person their rights.
Rationale:
When I am not assertive in conversations, often my feelings and rights are trampled
on and I get taken advantage of. This leads to feelings of resentment and feeling
manipulated and it eventually affects my self-confidence, self-esteem and
relationships. If I can learn to be more assertive, especially in conversations with
aggressive people, it will make communication with others an equal exchange,
leading to better relationships, feelings of empowerment and less
miscommunication.
Strategies:
By November 9th, 2015, I will put the following strategies into use:
1-I will describe my point of view, calmly and confidently, instead of not saying
anything until I am out of options and angry. (Beebe, 2014, p. 181)
2-I will disclose my feelings, letting the other person know how I feel, helping to
build empathy. (Beebe, 2014, p. 181)
3- I will identify the effects of the other persons behavior on me and on others.
(Beebe, 2014, p.182)
4- I will be silent and wait for a response while monitoring my nonverbal cues.
(Beebe, 2014, p. 182)
5-I will paraphrase the content, my feelings and be an active listener. (Beebe,
2014, p. 182-183)
Implementation:
I will begin implementing my strategies on September 26, 2015, because I plan on
being around certain people this weekend that I have a very hard time being
assertive around because they are family. I will continue to have opportunities to
work on this several times a week because I deal with people like this on a regular
basis at school, my neighborhood, my community, and with my family. I will achieve
this goal by keeping these strategies in mind, remembering to use them, and by
reminding myself what will happen if I do not.

Works Cited:

Beebe, Beebe, & Redmond, (2014) Interpersonal Communication: Relating to

Others.