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Assertive Communication and Influencing Skills for the Workplace

Many capable South African professionals struggle to voice a view, push back on an unreasonable request or influence colleagues without authority. This course builds practical assertive communication skills that hold the line between passive and aggressive, helping delegates state needs clearly, handle disagreement calmly and gain buy in from peers, managers and clients across our diverse workplaces.

What you will be able to do

  • Recognise passive, aggressive and assertive communication styles and their effects.
  • Express opinions, needs and boundaries clearly and respectfully.
  • Apply techniques to say no and manage unreasonable requests professionally.
  • Use questioning and listening to understand and influence other people.
  • Handle disagreement and pushback without damaging working relationships.
  • Adapt an influencing approach to different personalities and cultural contexts.

Course outline

  1. 01Passive, Aggressive and Assertive Styles
  2. 02The Foundations of Assertive Behaviour
  3. 03Stating Needs and Setting Boundaries
  4. 04Saying No and Managing Requests
  5. 05Listening and Questioning to Influence
  6. 06Handling Disagreement and Pushback
  7. 07Influencing Without Authority
  8. 08Adapting to People and Cultural Context

Who should attend

This course suits team members, supervisors, technical specialists and anyone who needs to communicate with confidence and influence others without relying on formal authority.

Dates, venues and fees

DatesVenueDaysFeeCalendar
17 to 19 Aug 2026Lagos3US$1,500
24 to 26 Aug 2026Harare3US$1,500
31 Aug to 2 Sep 2026Kampala3US$1,500
7 to 9 Sep 2026Dar es Salaam3US$1,500
14 to 16 Sep 2026Pretoria3R13,000
21 to 23 Sep 2026Cape Town3R13,000
5 to 7 Oct 2026Online3US$900
12 to 14 Oct 2026Mozambique3US$1,500
19 to 21 Oct 2026Cairo3US$1,500
26 to 28 Oct 2026Accra3US$1,500
2 to 4 Nov 2026Lusaka3US$1,500
9 to 11 Nov 2026Kigali3US$1,500
16 to 18 Nov 2026Nairobi3US$1,500
23 to 25 Nov 2026Durban3R13,000
30 Nov to 2 Dec 2026Johannesburg3R13,000
14 to 16 Dec 2026Mauritius3US$1,500
21 to 23 Dec 2026Dubai3US$1,500

Fees are per delegate. South African venues are priced in rand; other locations and online in US dollars. Fees exclude 15% VAT where applicable. Group bookings of three or more delegates from the same organisation qualify for a reduced rate; contact us for a quotation.

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