Assertive communication
Assertive communication
15 April 2027 | 9h - 17h
General context
Speaking up with confidence is essential for healthy collaboration but can feel challenging. Assertive communication is about more than delivering your message; it’s about recognizing your own needs, respecting others, and knowing how to set clear boundaries. This practical training helps you overcome barriers to speaking up, understand how messages are perceived, and practice techniques to express yourself effectively without damaging relationships.
After this training, you will:
- Identify personal barriers and limiting beliefs that impact assertive communication.
- Understand your responsibility in setting boundaries and expressing needs clearly.
- Prepare and deliver assertive messages effectively and respectfully.
- Apply practical techniques to stay confident and constructive in challenging conversations.
This full-day interactive workshop focuses on practice and real-life application:
- Short theory inputs on the principles of assertiveness and respectful communication.
- Guided exercises to analyze personal barriers and communication styles.
- Simulation practice with a professional actor to rehearse real workplace scenarios and receive personalized feedback.
The session ensures participants leave with practical tools and confidence to speak up effectively and professionally.
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.
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.
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.
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).
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.
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
15 April 2027
Leuven - Campus Gasthuisberg
Herestraat 49
3000 Leuven
Belgium
15 April 2027
Leuven - Campus Gasthuisberg
Leuven train station is approximately 4 km from the campus Gasthuisberg. Buses depart very regularly to the Gasthuisberg Campus from Leuven train station.
For tickets and up to date schedules visit website De Lijn or use the De Lijn App.
Exit at the very last bus stop ‘Gasthuisberg Campus) make sure not to exit at ‘Gasthuisberg Kliniek =
hospital)
Once you get off the bus, go to your right and go up the street until you see stairs to your left. Climb the stairs all the way up between two buildings. Look for the signs containing blue circles and white numbers and follow them all the way from 2 up to number 12. You will cross several buildings and the walk will take max. 10 minutes. When you reach number 12, you have reached O&N 5, where you can find the reception.
15 April 2027
Leuven - Campus Gasthuisberg
The Gasthuisberg campus is west of the Leuven ring. Our buildings are situated behind the hospital (see black arrow near ‘RING NOORD’ on the map). If you come from the city center, you will arrive on campus from the east side (taking Mgr. Van Waeyenberglaan and roundabout Het Teken). If you come from Heverlee or Campus Arenberg, you will arrive from the west side (taking the Celestijnenlaan and Taborweg). When you arrive uphill at the intersection with the Rega Institute and the Red Cross building, you need to take the road down to the bicycle parking at Rega Institute (see map) where you can park. Next, follow the ‘Onderwijs & Navorsing blue route’ description below (start point is #9).
15 April 2027
Leuven - Campus Gasthuisberg
You arrive via the E314 highway – EXIT 16
After 200 m, keep left to drive underneath the roundabout and into the tunnel.
Keep left and follow the arrows to Parking West.
You arrive via the Leuven ring road
At the roundabout, take the exit towards ‘Spoed / Ziekenhuis’.
Follow the ring around Campus Gasthuisberg and pass the entrance of SPOED.
Continue right until you arrive at a second roundabout.
Follow the directions for E314.
Near the Fire Brigade Station, make a U-turn and follow the directions for ‘Ziekenhuis’.
Keep left and drive downhill, underneath the roundabout and into the tunnel.
Keep left and follow the arrows to Parking West.
Next, leave the parking at level +1 using the big stairs near the vending machines.
Follow the red carpet and arrows to 'Onco Dagcentrum' to get to the O&N buildings. Take the stairs on your left after exiting Parking West. You are now in front of the O&N4 building; on the left you will find O&N5.