Assertiveness. It’s a word often misunderstood. Some people think of it as confrontation, while others view it as something unattainable. But at its core, assertiveness is a powerful form of self-expression — it’s about communicating your thoughts, feelings, and needs with confidence, all while respecting others.
Whether you’re navigating a challenging conversation at work, setting boundaries in personal relationships, or speaking up for yourself in everyday situations, assertiveness is a vital skill. The VOICE model was created to provide a clear, actionable framework that helps you find and strengthen your voice — helping you communicate effectively without feeling guilt, fear, or uncertainty.
Why Assertiveness Is Essential Today
In a world where communication is too often rushed and misunderstood, the ability to be assertive stands out as a crucial life skill. Many of us have been in situations where we felt unheard, overlooked, or unsure how to express our needs without causing conflict. Maybe you’ve found yourself saying “yes” when you meant “no” or holding back your opinion for fear of judgment. These are the moments where assertiveness could change everything.
Assertiveness is not about being aggressive or overpowering — it’s about clarity, confidence, and respect. It’s called the win:win and with the VOICE model, you can learn to express yourself in a way that is authentic to you, no matter the situation.
The VOICE Model: A High-Level Overview
The VOICE model is a powerful framework that guides you through the process of assertive communication. Each letter in VOICE represents a key principle that helps you communicate with confidence and clarity, whether you’re at work, in relationships, or navigating daily life.
Here’s a high-level overview of how the VOICE model works:
V – Validate Yourself
- This is the foundation of assertiveness. It starts with recognizing and validating your own needs, feelings, and experiences.
- Before you can assert yourself to others, you need to affirm your own value. Many people struggle with assertiveness because they doubt their own right to speak up. The VOICE model partners with you to shift that mindset and stand confidently in your own truth.
O – Own Your Message
- Assertiveness is about clear, direct communication. This means taking ownership of your message and how you express it.
- The VOICE model invites you to express your thoughts, feelings, and needs without blame or defensiveness. You learn to communicate with clarity and responsibility, making your intentions clear while fostering open dialogue.
I – Identify Boundaries
- Healthy boundaries are crucial to assertiveness. Knowing your limits and being able to communicate them respectfully is essential.
- The VOICE model guides you through the process of recognising and defining your personal boundaries. It emphasises the importance of setting limits that protect your wellbeing without alienating others.
C – Communicate Clearly
- Assertiveness is not just about what you say, but how you say it. Clear communication involves aligning your verbal and non-verbal cues so that your message is coherent and assertive.
- The VOICE model welcomes you to be aware of your body language, tone of voice, and facial expressions, ensuring they all reflect your intent. Congruent communication builds trust and helps you convey your message confidently and assertively.
E – Evaluate and Adjust
- Assertiveness is a skill that evolves over time. Reflecting on your experiences and adjusting your approach is key to continuous growth.
- Through the VOICE model, you learn to evaluate your interactions, assess what worked well, and make improvements for the future. You receive an assertiveness growth journal encourage ongoing reflection and adaptation, helping you stay mindful and continually improve your assertive communication.
Why the VOICE Model Is So Effective
The beauty of the VOICE model is its simplicity and practicality. Each part of the model is designed to address a specific aspect of assertiveness, making it easier to apply in real-world situations. Whether you’re just starting your assertiveness journey or looking to refine your skills, the VOICE model offers clear, actionable steps to help you:
- Speak up for yourself without feeling guilty or fearful.
- Set and communicate boundaries in a way that feels respectful and firm.
- Align your body language and tone with your words for maximum clarity.
- Reflect on your communication experiences and improve with time.
By focusing on both the mindset and skillset of assertiveness, the VOICE model helps you create lasting change in the way you interact with others. It’s more than just a communication tool—it’s a guide to becoming the confident, empowered person you’ve always wanted to be.
Take the Next Step in Your Assertiveness Journey
The VOICE model isn’t a theory — it’s a practical framework that you can start using immediately. Imagine walking into every conversation, knowing exactly how to express yourself in a way that feels authentic and empowering. That’s the kind of transformation the VOICE model makes possible.
If you’re ready to take control of your communication, strengthen your confidence, and assert your needs with clarity, come and explore the VOICE model further. Whether through the workshop or one to one coaching, you’ll gain the tools you need to make assertiveness a natural and powerful part of your life.
Ready to find your voice? Join us for a transformative experience where you’ll learn to communicate confidently, set boundaries effectively, and navigate conversations with greater ease. Your journey to assertiveness begins with the VOICE model — let us work together to unlock your full potential.
