Assertive communication
Assertive communication
6 November 2025 | 9h - 17h
General context
Creating a culture in which employees at all levels feel comfortable speaking up is, to say the least, a challenge. It’s not just about learning an effective method for delivering an assertive message, but also about knowing when your voice is needed and having the courage to use it. It involves making the unwritten rules explicit, establishing clear agreements and communication, and developing self-awareness about your own challenges—so that speaking up becomes easier. Only then can you begin to train the right skills and truly master the art, both individually and as a team.
In this training, we start with you and explore what holds you back from addressing someone directly. You’ll also discover how both you and others can be triggered by certain messages — and what the impact of that can be. To navigate around this, we’ll learn (or revisit) how to deliver these messages effectively without damaging collaboration.
After this training:
- You’ll understand what holds you back from communicating assertively.
- You’ll recognize your own responsibility in setting boundaries and expressing your needs.
- You’ll have insight into your communication style and the limiting beliefs that influence your conversations.
- You’ll be able to thoroughly prepare a courageous message.
- You’ll have the knowledge and conversation skills needed to communicate assertively —with respect for both yourself and others.
This interactive session centers on practicing how to deliver your message. Using real-life scenarios with a simulation actor, you’ll put the communication techniques you’ve learned into practice—enabling you to express your message and/or boundaries in a professional and assertive way.
Trainers
Michel De Gieter
Michel De Gieter is senior trainer at The Tipping Point and is their very own brain-whisperer. He is the guy who says 'You don't have to choose between science and compassion' - and means it! Michel takes the mysteries of the brain and translates them into bite-sized wisdom for your everyday life. Whether it's emotional intelligence or those tough conversations you've been avoiding, Michel's got a tool for that. Basically, if your brain was a phone, Michel's the one upgrading your mental software. So, buckle up for insights, and a few aha moments to!
Program
In this training, we focus on how to communicate your needs effectively and assertively, and how to set boundaries. We’ll dive into practical tips and techniques to help you deliver your message clearly and constructively.
1. What’s holding me back?
Start with self-reflection: When was the last time you chose not to speak up, and why? Explore your personal “hot buttons” and what might still be getting in the way of sharing your needs or protecting your boundaries.
2.Setting the scene
What do you want to achieve with your communication? Learn how to prepare a message that is clear and respectful—without losing sight of your own needs and boundaries.
3.Communication Techniques for Assertive Conversations
Time to express your message assertively. You’ll learn how to share your opinion and protect your boundaries. Using the DIN technique, you describe the situation (Describe), the effect it has (Impact), and what you need (Need).
4.Put It into Practice!
Bring the techniques you’ve learned to life through realistic simulations with an actor. We’ll work with your real-life cases so you can practice these skills in a safe environment—ready to transfer them to the workplace afterward.
5. Your action plan
Wrap up the day with a concrete action: what will you do differently starting tomorrow?
Identify what you still need to sustain this change and successfully integrate it into your daily communication.
Practical info
06 November 2025
Ghent - VIB/UGent FSVM II
Technologiepark 75
9052 Zwijnaarde
Belgium
06 November 2025
Ghent - VIB/UGent FSVM II
From Ghent Sint-Pieters station, you can take a bus to Technologiepark. Please check Routeplanner De Lijn for schedules.
06 November 2025
Ghent - VIB/UGent FSVM II
Looking for a custom cycling route? Try the online cycling route planner to easily and quickly identify the fastest, safest and/or most scenic route to any destination in Ghent.
Cycling route planner
Shared bicycles:
Several providers are active in the area.
Take a look at their platforms:
- Indigo Weel Pro app
- Bluebike
- DOTT
- BOLT eBikes
- Donkey Republic
There are also some public bicycle pumps at the park.
06 November 2025
Ghent - VIB/UGent FSVM II
There is only one entrance to Technologiepark. At the entrance, please take a ticket - Parking is only allowed in regular parking spots (for instance in front of the building) and in the parking tower. Parking alongside the roads or in other places where there is no regular parking is prohibited.