This structured worksheet helps clients practice using assertive body language, leading to more effective communication.
Offers theory, guidance, and prompts for mental health professionals. Downloads are in Fillable PDF format where appropriate.
Includes client-friendly guidance. Downloads are in Fillable PDF format where appropriate.
Assertiveness training has been shown to reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety, improve relationships, and enhance functioning at work. An important part of assertive communication is assertive body language. This Assertive Body Language – Practice Record is designed to help clients develop assertive non-verbal skills, including tone of voice, posture, gestures, facial expressions, and use of interpersonal space. Using this record regularly can improve assertive body language, increase self-awareness during interactions, identify areas for improvement, and track progress.
People are often unaware of how their body language contributes to how they are perceived. This resource helps clients:
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For anxious clients who struggle to express themselves.
To encourage confident, respectful social interactions.
Supports clients whose communication is hindered by guilt, hopelessness, or low self-worth.
For clients experiencing interpersonal difficulties where communication plays a role.
Encourages development of self-respect and clear expression of needs.
Supports effective communication with colleagues and reduces vulnerability to bullying.
Explain what assertive body language is and why it matters.
Outline the different aspects of assertive body language, including posture, gestures, and tone of voice.
Encourage clients to practice assertive body language and complete the worksheet as soon as possible afterwards.
Review individual skill ratings and identify areas for improvement.
Highlight improvements over time and encourage continued practice.
Non-verbal behaviour makes up a significant portion of interpersonal communication and conveys vital information (Birdwhistell, 1970; Rozelle et al., 1986). Rather than being merely supplementary, non-verbal behaviour helps individuals make judgements about intent, emotion, and meaning in social interactions, while serving as a key indicator of traits such as confidence, competence, and warmth (Bonaccio et al., 2016; Hall et al., 2019).
As a result, non-verbal behaviour is considered a key component of assertiveness training (Duckworth, 2009). Research has explored the impact of various dimensions of non-verbal behaviour on assertive communication, including voice intonation and volume (e.g., Rose & Tryon, 1979), eye contact (e.g., Kolotkin et al., 1984), facial expressions (e.g., Romano & Bellack, 1980), gestures, and body posture (e.g., McFall et al., 1982). Additionally, 'proxemics' (Hall, 1966), which refers to the physical distance between individuals, is believed to play a significant role in assertive communication (Alberti & Emmons, 2017; McKay et al., 2018; Paterson, 2022), although few studies have directly examined this aspect.
Overall, research indicates that non-verbal factors make a meaningful contribution to the perception of assertiveness (Rakos, 1991). Furthermore, this impact seems to be independent of verbal content (Linehan & Walker, 1983). In light of these findings, Rakos (1991) states that "moderate levels [of non-verbal component behaviours] seem to be the best guideline" (p.48) for assertive communication, although this may vary depending on the situation. Practically, this translates to: an intermediate volume and tone of voice; steady eye contact; calm and sincere facial expressions; fluid and flexible gestures; and an upright yet relaxed body posture.
Regarding proxemics, it is generally advised that clients find a comfortable and appropriate distance for both parties (Alberti & Emmons, 2017). Influencing factors may include the characteristics of the individuals involved (e.g., gender, age, level of intimacy), the social environment, and cultural norms (e.g., Sorokowska et al., 2017).
This resource helps clients:
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