Assertiveness: standing up for yourself course in Amsterdam

Do you want to stand up for yourself without steamrolling others? In this course you work on acting with self-assurance, setting boundaries and communicating purposefully. You learn to express your opinion clearly and to present yourself decisively, with mutual respect as the basis.

Read the full description of the Assertiveness: standing up for yourself course

All dates in Amsterdam

None of the dates suitable? In-company takes place on a day of your choosing, and the course also runs in other cities.

Where in Amsterdam

Who you'll be taught by in Amsterdam

• Mieke Trainer in conversation techniques and train-the-trainer Rating 8,8 out of 386 evaluations
• Rob Trainer in communication and leadership Score 8,6 from 346 evaluations
• Michaela Trainer communication and personal development Rating 9.1 from 264 evaluations
• Christy trainer in communication and leadership Rating 9,2 from 256 evaluations

What participants thought

• “An intake interview makes clear exactly what the participant wants to learn. During the course itself the topics that turned out to be needed are covered, and throughout the course you are regularly asked whether any other subjects should be discussed. A variety of exercise formats (a game, role play, video recording, relaxation exercise and others) makes a lot of things clear. Everything takes place in a very relaxed and safe atmosphere; nothing turns out to be "scary". The course provides insight and useful tips, and the reader and the booklet you are given are also handy for after the course.”

  J.S.A. Engelander, OBS Nelson Mandela - Assertiveness: standing up for yourself

• “During the course you gain a good insight into what is actually holding you back from being assertive; together with the examples, assignments and tools you are given, I already notice improvement and I believe I can become increasingly assertive in future. After the course you will not be more assertive straight away, but you do know how to improve this gradually.”

  M. Deurloo - EQUANS Services N.V.- Assertiveness: standing up for yourself

• “The course is very easy to apply in practical situations. It makes you think in a pleasant way and gives good tips on how to take it further.”

  V.J.T. Bisschops, Exact - Assertiveness: standing up for yourself

• “Good, clear training course – genuinely useful.”

  R. van Heijst - EQUANS- Assertiveness: standing up for yourself

Frequently asked questions

Who is the Assertiveness: standing up for yourself course suitable for?

The course is suitable for anyone who wants to come across more assertively, stand up for their own interests better or express an opinion more clearly. You might recognise yourself in the following: difficulty setting boundaries, taking the initiative or raising your profile in conversations. No prior knowledge is required. The classroom course is given in groups of no more than eight participants.

What will you learn during the Assertiveness: standing up for yourself course?

During this classroom course you learn the difference between assertiveness, sub-assertiveness and aggressiveness, and how to deal with this in practice. You practise saying no, setting boundaries, giving and receiving feedback, and communicating purposefully without manipulating. You also work on recognising limiting thoughts and on using verbal and non-verbal behaviour.

What is the difference between assertiveness, sub-assertiveness and aggressiveness?

Assertive behaviour means standing up for your own interests while respecting the other person. Sub-assertive behaviour means putting yourself last and not daring to say what you want. Aggressive behaviour means pushing through your own aims at the other person's expense. During the classroom course Assertiveness: standing up for yourself, you learn to recognise the difference and to respond assertively.

Is any prior knowledge required for the Assertiveness: standing up for yourself course?

No, the Assertiveness: Standing Up for Yourself course requires no prior knowledge or previous education. The course is suitable for anyone who wants to communicate more assertively and stand up better for their own interests. An intake takes place beforehand, so the trainer can tailor the programme to your personal learning objectives and situation.

What is the approach of the Assertiveness: standing up for yourself course?

The Assertiveness: Standing Up for Yourself course is taught in a classroom setting in a group of no more than 8 participants. Beforehand there is an intake in which the trainer identifies your personal learning objectives. The programme is determined on that basis. The course has an active set-up: you learn by doing and experiencing in a safe atmosphere.

When should you choose a classroom assertiveness course rather than a self-help book or an online course?

A classroom course works better if you actually want to practise assertive behaviour, not just understand it. A book or online course gives you theory about communication, setting boundaries and feedback, but you read it on your own and miss the mirror that others provide. In the classroom course Assertiveness: Standing Up for Yourself you practise real conversational situations in a group of no more than 8 participants. You receive immediate feedback on your verbal and non-verbal behaviour from the trainer and the other participants. Beforehand there is an intake in which your personal learning objectives are gathered. Choose self-study if you mainly want to acquire knowledge. Choose the classroom course if you find that you know how it should be done, but cannot manage to indicate your boundaries or express your opinion in the moment.

How do I know whether this classroom course really has an effect on my behaviour, or whether it stays at theory?

The effect lies in the working method. This course is active in its set-up: in a group of no more than 8 participants you practise with real situations from your own working or private life. Beforehand there is an intake in which your personal learning objectives are identified, so that the programme is tailored to your situation. You experiment with saying no, setting boundaries, giving feedback and non-verbal signals. All under the guidance of a trainer who gives immediate feedback. Theory such as communication levels, frames of reference and feedback rules is linked to practice. That is the difference with a book or e-learning: you get direct reflection on your behaviour and practise in a safe setting. Whether you keep it up in practice depends on your own repetition afterwards; the course gives you the framework and the first experience.

What is the difference between this assertiveness course and a course in communication skills or giving feedback?

Assertiveness: standing up for yourself focuses specifically on making your own interests, opinion and boundaries known, with respect for the other person. The distinction between sub-assertive, assertive and aggressive behaviour is central, as is working on limiting thoughts and emotions that hold you back. A general communication course more often covers sending, receiving and conversation structures broadly, without that personal focus on setting boundaries and self-presentation. A course on giving feedback deals only with the rules of feedback and raising behaviour for discussion. In assertiveness, feedback and non-verbal communication are parts of a larger whole: learning to act from your own position. Choose this course (classroom-based, maximum of eight participants) if your question concerns daring, boundaries and inner blocks, and not purely conversation technique.

Assertiveness: standing up for yourself in other cities

• Assertiveness: standing up for yourself in The Hague 1 date, from 22 December 2026
• Assertiveness: Standing Up for Yourself in Rotterdam 1 date, from 6 August 2027