TACT – Using Pauses Assertively is a practical information handout that helps clients use pauses to slow down, regulate emotions, and respond thoughtfully while communicating assertively.
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.
Verbal communication is a key component of assertive behavior. While assertiveness training programmes often focus on the content of verbal messages, learning to incorporate intentional pauses during interactions can benefit non-assertive individuals. This TACT – Using Pauses Effectively information handout explains how strategic pauses enhance assertive communication. Clients will find this script particularly helpful in situations where they feel pressured or tend to respond in automatic, non-assertive ways.
Many clients respond in familiar, non-assertive ways in challenging or high-pressured interactions. This resource helps clients:
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To support confident, respectful social interactions.
For anxious clients who struggle to express themselves.
Supports clients whose communication is hindered by hopelessness or low self-worth.
For clients experiencing social difficulties that are impacted by communication problems.
Encourages development of self-respect and clear expression of needs.
Explain what assertiveness is and why it can be helpful.
Orientate clients to the tool, including what it entails and when it can be useful.
Discuss each step of the script, including example statements clients can use.
Model or role-play implementing the script.
Give as homework to reflect on and prepare for real-life scenarios.
Explore the client’s use of the technique and reflect on outcomes.
Combine with other assertiveness tools, such as body language exercises.
While basic assertiveness skills (such as using assertive body language and I-messages) form the foundation of assertive communication, many clients benefit from more structured guidance for navigating specific real-world interactions (Duckworth, 2008). This is especially true of emotionally charged situations, such as saying no to requests or relationship difficulties. Assertiveness scripts are commonly used to address this (e.g., Linehan, 2015; Martin, 2021; Paterson, 2022). From a practical perspective, they serve as a bridge between learning and implementing assertive communication. For therapists, these scripts provide a framework for developing and sequencing assertive messages in specific contexts. For clients, the scripts can help reduce anxiety, simplify complex exchanges, and support practice within or between sessions.
Assertiveness training often emphasizes the content of verbal communication and how it is conveyed. However, several programs have also highlighted the benefits of using strategic pauses during difficult interactions (e.g., Carr, 2012; Hanks, 2016; Paterson, 2022; McKay et al., 2018). This can give individuals time to process what has been said, check in with their internal experiences to increase self-awareness, and interrupt automatic patterns of non-assertive behavior (e.g., aggressive opposition or compliance).
This TACT – Using Pauses Effectively information handout describes how strategic pauses can be incorporated into assertive communication. Clients will find this script particularly helpful in situations where they feel pressured or respond in automatic, non-assertive ways.
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