- Paulette Dale, a world-renowned authority on assertive communication, has released a special edition of her best-selling book, The Art of Conversation, celebrating its 25th anniversary!
- 35 'case studies', 25 'practice activities', and 43 illustrations to help readers understand
An even richer 'upgraded version'.


In a world where the importance of effective communication is emphasized more than ever, this special expanded edition of "The Art of Conversation" will help those who are reluctant to speak up—especially women who are constantly being bullied, belittled, and ignored—overcome communication barriers, build confidence, and develop assertive communication skills that will transform their lives.
Paulette brings her own vivid experience and a wealth of case studies to offer practical solutions that any woman looking to improve her communication skills can implement.
Through this book, readers will discover the following communication skills:

Don't wait for confidence to build before you can speak up.
Let's start practicing speaking right now.
Confidence will come later! As William James said, "If you want to have something, act as if you already have it."

--- p.18~19

We have the power to change the behaviors we have been trained to simply accept.
You no longer have to be trapped in the mindset of 'think, but don't speak'.
Just as you can learn to be passive, you can learn to be confident.
Assertive and assertive communication is a skill, just like speaking a foreign language, playing the piano, or being proficient on social media platforms.

--- p.22

Practice assertive speech and body language in response to verbal abuse, such as saying “no” firmly, “I need time to think about it,” or “I can’t accept that,” and move toward your goals.
When you encounter a situation where you are reluctant to express your opinion, try to act as if you are there to support me.
Listen to me as I shout in my heart, “Tell me what you really want right now!”
--- p.28

Silence signifies tacit consent, and especially bad people who seek to satisfy their own needs by trampling on others take silence as consent.
--- p.39

It is not our fault at all that we are approached by people who take advantage of us or insult us.
They are so dissatisfied with their lives that they seek out easy, comfortable people to verbally abuse and have fun.
But if we allow such opportunists to take interest, we need to take responsibility for it.
If you lock the door and communicate firmly to keep them out, these predators will move on to easier prey.
--- p.44

Assertiveness is often confused with aggression.
So let's be clear now.
Learning to be a more assertive person isn't about learning to push others around to get your way.
Advocating for yourself means expressing your feelings assertively and assertively and establishing an equal relationship that considers the needs of both parties.
--- p.47

People who lack confidence often feel pressured to provide lengthy, justified reasons when they ask for something.
Not only that, but he also adds too many reasons to everything he says.
Women who behave like this are usually timid and insecure about themselves.
--- p.95~96

When others compliment you on something special, something you look great in, or something you did well, accept it confidently by saying, “Thank you.”
Remember that belittling someone's compliment is tantamount to belittling the person who gave the compliment.
--- p.103

What really matters is not what you say over and over, but how you say it.
Let's say goodbye to rambling, denials of responsibility, filling conversations with unnecessary words, and long-winded explanations.
Pay attention to proper posture and eye contact, and accept compliments gracefully.
Let's not forget that our way of speaking and our body language also convey messages to the other person.
It's up to you how you say it!
--- p.107

The ability to say "no" doesn't come automatically as you age and mature.
It needs to be learned, and with practice it can be acquired at any age.

--- p.174

We have the right to ask for time to think about what we want and how we feel.
Even if things don't work out the way we hoped, we will feel good about ourselves in many ways and know that we did the right thing.

--- p.214

Raise your voice! Be persistent and stick with it to get what you want.
If you fail, you have nothing to lose, and if things go well, you have a lot to gain!
--- p.243

Assertive and proactive responses indicate a healthy self-concept, as they express opinions and thoughts clearly and directly.
This signifies that we consider ourselves equal to others and will respect each other's wishes and needs.
The purpose of a firm and assertive response is to demonstrate your willingness to speak for yourself and make your own choices.

--- p.290

Now we are reborn, armed with courage and confidence.
You no longer have to be the victim of unfair criticism, sarcasm, or rude behavior.
You don't have to be bullied anymore unless you want to.
But whether you use honest questions, agree with criticism, use humor, state your position, or use the eye for an eye technique, remember that it is your responsibility to respond on your own behalf.

--- p.353

Assertive and assertive communication deals with how to support your own views and values.
When you are being treated unfairly, it is very important to build self-esteem.
And it's equally important for your self-esteem to praise yourself when you deserve it and to express sincere praise to those around you.
My own positive expression is priceless to others.

--- p.413