Manuel J. Smith (1934–2007)

I grew up being a people-pleaser and letting people walk all over me, and while I still am to a certain extent, I definitely needed help with assertiveness and speaking up for myself, and standing my ground. Too often, I still let people wear me down and talk me out of things that I secretly wish I had said no or persisted on. Or I just didn't know how to respond to someone who was being pushy.

This book is great in explaining why we lack assertiveness, and the author gives plenty of show more real-life examples and dialogues in putting assertiveness into action. So many people have poor conflict resolution skills, and I love that this book teaches you how to stand your ground effectively.

Recommended for anyone who is looking to become more assertive in everyday life! show less

I studied this work about 20 years ago and incorporated it's concepts into my life and dealings with people. It has been an enormous help. I have returned to my study notes on this book many times such was the density of this work and usefulness. Other works covering the same broad areas which are more technical and obtuse are at best less useful then this wonderful work on how to better communicate with family, friends, coworkers etc without feeling that your being manipulated in the least. show more If anything, I would think that some people would need to consciously restrain themself from being too assertively aggressive using these techniques. I didn't, as I'm a good egg by nature. I have steered a few people onto this path in the intervening years and recently got a copy of this work as presented for children for my girlfriend. It takes some study and practise over a few months and your best to work on each skill at a time and to work on your note taking as this is a dense work compared to most self help books. You will be rewarded with if not already present, a great sense of confidence in your ability to cope with most anybody in just about any social situation. I worked in security for 11 years dealing with drunk and sometimes violent people and this was a huge aid to me.

Pat Hill, Dublin, Ireland. show less

The book I most often take off my shelf and show to clients. Even if all you learn from it is the "Broken record" technique and accept that his "Assertiveness Bill of Rights" applies to you, it can change your life for the better.

A classic. I read this when I was 22 and it gave me the practical tools I needed to speak up for myself in business and in life.