Note for the trainer: “I” language is the cornerstone of assertiveness. Emphasise the transformative power of saying “When I am hit, it hurts and I feel upset” rather than “You make me angry”. Enable participants to practise reflecting emotions and defending rights through a concrete formula.
Method: Role-play.
Materials: Cards for converting “you” language into “I” language.
When [event] happens + I feel [feeling/emotion] + Because I need [need] + Therefore I expect/set the following boundary [expectation/boundary].
Role-play exercise: Participants work in pairs. One person plays the role of someone who breaks a rule; the other person responds with an “I” statement that follows the formula instead of using accusatory “you” language:
“When I see that the room has not been cleaned at the shift handover, I feel frustrated because I need a fair division of work. Therefore, I expect you to follow the cleaning plan during the next shift.”