Assertiveness training equips your staff to communicate clearly, set boundaries, and handle conflict without aggression or avoidance. BOTI’s 1-day course teaches the four communication styles, positive self-talk, and confident delivery — available in-house, online, or as a public course across South Africa.

If you lead HR, L&D, or a team where capable people stay quiet in meetings, say yes when they mean no, or escalate disagreements unnecessarily, this is the skill gap behind it. The sections below cover what the course includes, who it suits, how it is delivered, and how to book.

Why assertiveness training matters for your teams

Assertiveness is the missing middle between passive and aggressive behaviour. When attempted by people who lack confidence, it often sounds aggressive — which damages relationships and stalls work. This course focuses on genuine behavioural change rather than scripts, using change maps, positive mental imagery, and the emotional foundations of assertiveness so the new behaviour holds up under pressure.

For organisations, the payoff is practical: fewer misunderstandings, faster decisions, healthier conflict, and staff who can say “no” or “not yet” professionally without burning out or backing down.

What your team will learn

The programme covers 12 components in a single, intensive day:

1. Opening and objectives
2. Defining self-confidence and assertiveness — including The 4 Styles (passive, aggressive, assertive, passive-aggressive)
3. Overcoming negative thinking patterns
4. Communication skills — including listening as well as hearing, which are not the same thing
5. Goal-setting using SMART objectives
6. Positive self-talk and a personal strengths assessment
7. Professional appearance and first impressions
8. Confident communication and “I Messages”
9. Using the STAR technique for presentations
10. Managing disagreement and building rapport
11. Handling challenging behaviour
12. Action planning and assessment

Two practical themes run throughout: looking the part and sounding the part — the visible and audible signals that make assertive communication land as confident rather than combative.

Assertiveness and self-confidence training: delivery, duration and pricing

Duration and format

Per-delegate cost drops sharply with group size, so booking a full team or department in-house is the most cost-effective option. For groups larger than 10, or to schedule on-site at your premises, request a quote and we will tailor the numbers to your headcount.

Who this course is for

This is a self-enrichment course intended for anybody interested in improving their self-confidence. In a corporate setting it is especially useful for:

• New and emerging managers who need to give feedback and hold their ground
• Customer-facing and support staff who handle difficult interactions
• Technical specialists who must influence without authority
• Any team member who under-communicates, over-apologises, or avoids necessary conflict

How assertiveness training fits your wider L&D plan

Assertiveness rarely sits alone. It is a core soft skill that amplifies the rest of your people-development investment — communication, emotional intelligence, conflict handling, and leadership. Pairing this course with related programmes gives staff a fuller toolkit and a clearer development path.

Explore complementary BOTI training:

• Soft skills and EQ courses — the broader cluster this course belongs to
• Communication skills training — listening, clarity, and influence
• Conflict management training — handling disagreement constructively
• Emotional intelligence training — self-awareness underpinning assertiveness
• View all courses and book — full catalogue and scheduling

Request a quote or a 15-minute callback

Want to build a more confident, clearer-communicating team? Request a quote or a free 15-minute callback and we will recommend the right group size, format, and dates for your organisation.

Free resource: Ask for our complimentary Assertive Communication Quick-Start Guide — a one-page reference on the four styles and “I Messages” your team can use immediately.

Many employers fund this kind of staff development through their annual workplace skills plan. Where that applies, BOTI can advise how this and other programmes fit into your broader skills-development spend, including how training counts toward the skills-development priority on your B-BBEE scorecard alongside accredited interventions. This is general guidance, not financial or legal advice. Speak to us about building a cost-effective in-house schedule.

Frequently asked questions

Is the assertiveness training course accredited?

No. This is a practical, facilitator-led skills programme; delegates receive a BOTI certificate of completion (this is not an accredited qualification). It is designed for practical behavioural change rather than a formal qualification. Need accredited training? Ask about BOTI’s QCTO/SETA-accredited programmes in a related area such as Generic Management or Business Administration, and we will point you to the right option.

How long is the course and what does it cost?

Can you deliver the training in-house at our offices?

Yes. The course is available in-house at your venue, online, or as a public course, with delivery across Johannesburg, Cape Town, Durban, Pretoria, and remotely throughout South Africa. In-house delivery is usually the most cost-effective option for teams.

What is the difference between assertiveness and aggression?

Assertiveness expresses your needs and boundaries clearly while respecting others; aggression pushes your needs at the expense of others. The course teaches the four styles — passive, aggressive, assertive, and passive-aggressive — so staff can recognise and adjust their default behaviour under pressure.

Who should attend?

Anyone wanting to improve self-confidence and communication — particularly new managers, customer-facing staff, technical specialists who influence without authority, and team members who avoid necessary conflict.