Course Highlights
This self-advocacy course will:
- Define self-advocacy and explain its importance in contributing to a collaborative team environment.
- Introduce the SPEAK model, a step-by-step framework for assertive, respectful communication.
- Provide tools to help participants identify and express their needs clearly within a team setting.
- Focus on building confidence in communication and learning techniques to handle challenging conversations.
- Equip participants with strategies to support each other’s growth and maintain a respectful, open communication culture.
Course Overview
Strong self-advocacy skills are essential for creating a supportive team environment where all members feel empowered to communicate their ideas, needs, and perspectives. This half-day workshop focuses on developing assertive communication and self-advocacy techniques that contribute to a culture of mutual respect and collaboration.
Participants will begin by exploring the foundations of self-advocacy, understanding how confident, clear communication can strengthen trust and teamwork. The SPEAK model is introduced as a structured approach for assertive expression, guiding participants in communicating their needs and setting boundaries in a constructive, respectful way. Through exercises, they will practice the SPEAK model in realistic team scenarios, including giving feedback and addressing disagreements.
The course also addresses common barriers to assertive communication, such as fear of conflict or self-doubt, and offers techniques to overcome these obstacles. Participants will learn ways to support one another in maintaining an open, respectful communication style within the team. The day concludes with a personal action planning session, encouraging participants to integrate self-advocacy skills into their daily interactions and foster a culture of empowerment within their team.
The following outline highlights some of the course’s key learning points. As part of your training program, we will adjust content as needed to meet your specific objectives. Upon request, we’ll provide a copy of the participant materials prior to the session(s).
Program Objectives
At this program’s conclusion, participants should be able to:
- Define self-advocacy and understand its importance for team cohesion and communication.
- Apply the SPEAK model to express needs and perspectives assertively and constructively.
- Identify strategies for handling challenging conversations with confidence.
- Recognize and manage internal and external barriers to self-advocacy.
- Demonstrate support for teammates by encouraging open, respectful communication.
- Develop a plan for practicing self-advocacy in team interactions to strengthen the team dynamic.
Workshop Modules
- Building Confidence: Laying the Foundation for Assertive Self-Advocacy
- The SPEAK Framework: Structuring Assertive Communication
- Removing Barriers: Addressing Challenges to Self-Advocacy
- Encouraging a Culture of Openness: Fostering Team Support
- Action Plan for Growth: Applying Self-Advocacy Beyond the Workshop
Target Audience
This workshop is designed for groups that want to:
- Strengthen skills in assertive, supportive communication.
- Foster a culture of respect and openness where all team members feel heard.
- Encourage team accountability and individual confidence in expressing ideas and needs.
Suggested Format
- Half-Day Onsite Training Course
Questions This Course Answers About Self-Advocacy and Assertiveness Training
- How can our team improve self-advocacy skills to create a more collaborative environment?
- What tools can help team members communicate their needs respectfully and assertively?
- How can we support each other in building a culture of open, constructive communication?