Professional Portfolio SOWK14005  Assessment 3

Reflexive Practice week 2

Assertive Communication

There are a number of skills associated with assertive communication; ones that I believe I have strength in are,

Non-verbal behaviours such as;

  •   maintaining a relaxed posture (Hepworth, Rooney & Larsen 1997, p. 428)
  •      appropriately varied facial expressions (Hepworth, Rooney & Larsen 1997, p. 428) 
  •  moderately expressive gestures (Hepworth, Rooney & Larsen 1997, p. 428)

Verbal behaviours such as;

  •  Dealing with emotion, through reflecting feelings (Conflict Resolution Network (CRN) n.d.)
  • Use of ‘I’ statements to clarify what it is I am communicating, taking ownership of my actions/feelings (Conflict Resolution Network (CRN) n.d.)
  • Being empathetic to others.

Skills I need to develop are;

  •   Fluent Speech pattern(Hepworth, Rooney & Larsen 1997, p. 428)
  •  including appropriate timing of speech, eye contact (If appropriate) (Hepworth, Rooney & Larsen 1997, p. 428)
  •  Firm and moderate tone of voice (Hepworth, Rooney & Larsen 1997, p. 428)
  • Confidence,   Being specific about the action required by others. (Australian Government n.d.)
  • Enhanced listening and attending skills

 

To practice effectively assertive communication skills are required; to promote and build appropriate client/partitioner relationships to assert and represent the needs and rights of others and also our own views and perspectives, personal and professional needs (Trevithick 2000).

 

References

Australian Government, nd. ‘Communication skills — conflict management and assertive communication’, Australian sports commission, viewed online 6 March 2012,

http://www.tis.tas.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0004/16924/ACE_Communication_Skills.pdf

Conflict resolution network (CRN), n.d. Crkit, viewed online 6 March 2012

http://www.crnhq.org/pages.php?pID=12#skill_4

Hepworth, D H Rooney, R H & Larsen, J A 1997, Direct social work practice: theory and skills, 5th edn. Brooks/Cole Publishing Company, Pacific Grove, USA.

Trevithick, P 2000, Social work skills a practice handbook, Open university Press, Buckingham.