GUIDE / TOOL
Assertive Communication Planner
Prepare a clear, direct, respectful request before an important conversation.
What I need to communicate
Write the situation in one or two factual sentences. What needs to be understood?
What I am afraid may happen
Name the fear without treating it as a fact. What response are you anticipating?
What I actually want to request
Turn the complaint into one request that another person can answer.
My clear wording
Use: “When… I feel/experience… I need… Would you be willing to…?”
The tone I want to keep
Choose a pace, volume, and opening that leaves room for a different answer.
What I will not do
Write the behavior you will avoid, such as insulting, threatening, interrupting, or apologizing for having a limit.
Possible responses
If they agree, disagree, or need time, how will you remain clear and respectful?
My follow-through
What will you do if the request is not possible or the boundary is crossed?
A practical next step
If you want to clarify how this applies to your situation, you can begin with a Zero Session.