I have to admit something to you… Sometimes I’m scared to speak up. 🤐

If you know me or have been part of any Arise programs, this might come as a surprise. I regularly run workshops and classes, supporting women of all ages to grow in their confidence and practice important self-defense skills.

But that ability to speak confidently in front of a group of people doesn’t come naturally to me, and there are lots of times I didn’t speak up like I knew I should have.

But I’m working on it.

Because here’s the thing... Assertive communication is a skill. Speaking with confidence is something you can learn. And, as you grow in this area, you’re powerfully equipping yourself to stay safe, defend yourself, and be heard.

So, let’s practice!

Jess

“The only way to find your voice is to use it.” -Jen Meuller, Journalist

💭Reflection question: Have you ever regretted staying silent? Why didn’t you speak up? What would have happened if you did?

On The Blog

Assertive communication is confident communication. It’s a skill that helps you:

• Set boundaries and protect your personal space.

• Show confidence, even if you’re feeling nervous.

• Stop uncomfortable situations from escalating.

• Feel heard and respected in your relationships.

Learn how to start using your voice today… Because it deserves to be heard!

👉 Read more on today’s blog post: How to Use Your Voice to Defend Yourself and Be Heard

👉 Related post: 3 Ways to Teach Assertive Communication to Your Preteens

Try It Out

Have you seen the trend on social media about women emailing like men?

It’s funny, yes, but it also highlights how many women feel pressured to always be polite and accommodating instead of direct. So let’s practice assertive communication through text!

✅ For the next week, try this:

• Every time you write a text message or email, pause a moment before sending it.

• Reread your message and look for phrases like “I’m just checking in…” or “when you get a chance…” or “no pressure!” Also, analyze your use of emojis or other friendly communication devices.

• Now… Cut. It. Back.

• Think: How can I communicate my point clearly and confidently without all the fluff?

Assertive communication isn’t unkind or rude; it just focuses on the message instead. Let me know how this exercise goes. 😀

Check It Out

Want to dive deeper into the topic of assertiveness and assertive communication? Check out these resources:

📺 TED TALK: How to speak up for yourself by Adam Galinsky. This talk from a social psychologist unpacks why we speak like we do and offers practical tips to use your voice.

📺 YOUTUBE VIDEO: How can we communicate more assertively? by Project Rockit. Full of real-life examples, this video offers excellent insights into assertive communication for teens.

✍️ EDUCATOR RESOURCE: Boundary Setting With I-Statements is designed for educators to equip teenagers with effective communication skills. It focuses on “I-statements,” a key component of assertive communication.

✍️ FREE DOWNLOAD: The A-Z Self-Defense Toolkit is packed with 26 empowerment tools and journal prompts for you to get into the self-defense mindset at your own pace.

Want to join the club? Upcoming Summer Events

Things might be slowing down a little over the summer, but we’ve got a couple of things to watch out for.

📅 Monthly Sundays at Flow Martial Arts, Vancouver - No Class July | August 24 | 4:30-6pm |  Adults and Teens No experience needed. Drop-in friendly. Register here »

📅 Weekly Classes COMING SOON - Join the waitlist for our weekly fall classes. Join here »

Whatever you’re looking for, we hope to offer ways to deepen your practice, build confidence, and connect regularly with our community. More to come in the fall!