7. Skill Builder Sharpen your skill at knowing when and how to communicate assertively by following these steps:

a. Develop an assertive message for each of the following situations in your professional life:

1. Making a r equest.

2. Describing a problem involving the recipient of your message.

3. Offering a s uggestion.

b. Practice each message with a partner until you are confident that it is organized and delivered as effectively as possible. Recording your rehearsal can provide valuable feedback.

c. Now discuss with your partner the potential benefits and drawbacks of delivering each a ssertive m essage.