Finally, we teach assertive communication, describing the differences among passive, aggressive, and assertive styles. What is the language, voice tone, body language, and pace of each style? What messages does each style convey? For example, the passive style sends the message “I don’t believe you’ll listen to me anyway.” We found in our positive education work that a critical aspect is to explore the icebergs that lead to one style of communicating over another. Someone who has the belief “People will take advantage of any sign of weakness” tends toward an aggressive style. A person who
...more

