Assertiveness and Influencing
Build confidence, communicate clearly and influence others more effectively. This practical course gives you tools to speak up, handle challenges and increase your impact at work.
In this course, you will learn how to:
- Communicate assertively without appearing aggressive
- Choose the right influencing approach for each situation
- Set boundaries and say 'no' with confidence
- Handle criticism and difficult behaviour calmly
- Adapt your style to different people and contexts
- Apply techniques to influence decisions and build credibility
Who is this course for?
Professionals at all levels who want to increase confidence, communicate more clearly and influence others effectively. Ideal for anyone who presents, negotiates, leads conversations or works with challenging stakeholders.
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Course Outline
Course overview
Duration: 1 day (6.5 hours)
This ‘Assertiveness and Influencing Techniques’ workshop is interactive and practical and facilitated by a subject matter expert via a virtual platform. Exercises and breakout rooms will be used during this training. Delegates are encouraged to login from a location where they feel safe to turn on their camera, use their microphones and engage in conversations as required.
Objectives
The aim of this course is to introduce delegates to a variety of influencing skills and techniques to deal with aggression and challenging situations. These skills and techniques will improve confidence and personal effectiveness when working in groups / meetings. By the end of the course delegates will be able to recognise and define what assertive behaviour is and its benefits, the impact of non-verbal communication and how to use it to enhance influencing behaviours.
Content
What is influencing and assertiveness?
- Sources of power
- Influencing skills and choosing the right approach
- When to be assertive and alternative behaviours
Assertive behaviour
- Behavioural styles and their impact on working relationships
- Identifying different behaviour types; assertive, aggressive, passive
- Building confidence and negotiating a win/win result
Developing Skills
- Communication skills – the language of influence and communication dynamics
- Different influencing techniques and when to use them
- The art of saying ‘No’ - having the confidence to challenge
- Receiving criticism assertively and assertiveness behaviour analysis
- The language of assertion
- Meeting skills
- Giving and receiving feedback
- Dealing with confrontation, aggression and challenges in a confident manner
Practical Exercises and Action Planning
- Practical exercises will be used throughout the training and the training will culminate with the creation of a personal action plan
Why Choose Underscore for Assertiveness & Influencing Training?
Underscore Group delivers practical, instructor-led leadership and personal development training that helps people communicate clearly, build confidence, and work more effectively with others. Based in Sussex and supporting organisations across the UK, we specialise in relatable, real-world learning that strengthens capability at every level — from early-career professionals to experienced managers.
Every session is tailored to your organisation’s culture, values and ways of working, ensuring the skills taught transfer directly into day-to-day behaviour. Our leadership and people-skills programmes are trusted by organisations across finance, aviation, healthcare, construction and professional services.
- Trusted by leading UK organisations
- Expert trainers with real business experience
- Small-group sessions (6–8 people)
- Practical, hands-on learning approach
- Virtual & onsite delivery across the UK
- Six months of post-course support
Get in Touch
Still have questions about this course?
Click Enquire Now and our team will share full details on content, dates, and pricing — and help you decide if it’s the right fit for you or your organisation.
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