Communication & Assertiveness Skills Flashcards

Which communication technique involves summarizing what the other person said before responding to show understanding?

Answer: Paraphrasing

Paraphrasing restates the speaker's message in your own words to confirm understanding before you respond.

When someone is expressing anger at you, the MOST assertive and de-escalating response is to:

Answer: Acknowledge their feeling and ask what they need

Acknowledging the feeling and asking what the person needs validates their experience while steering toward problem-solving.

In assertiveness training, 'broken record' is a technique used to:

Answer: Repeat your position calmly without getting sidetracked by diversions

The broken record technique involves calmly repeating your assertive statement as many times as needed without arguing.

Which of the following is an example of a passive-aggressive communication style?

Answer: Agreeing verbally but deliberately doing the task poorly

Passive-aggressive behavior expresses hostility indirectly, such as complying on the surface while sabotaging the outcome.

A client with chronic anger frequently interrupts others during conversations. The FIRST skill to practice would be:

Answer: Listening to completion before formulating a response

Learning to listen fully before responding addresses the behavioral root of interrupting and models respectful communication.

The term 'fogging' in assertiveness training refers to:

Answer: Calmly acknowledging criticism without agreeing or disagreeing

Fogging means partially agreeing with criticism or accepting that someone may have a point, without defending or capitulating.

When setting a limit with an angry person, which sequence is MOST effective?

Answer: Identify behavior → Offer alternative → State consequence

Naming the specific behavior first grounds the limit in observable fact, the alternative provides a path forward, and the consequence is stated if needed.