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Assertion


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This exercise will help your group understand the difference between aggression, submission and assertion.

Divide the group into threes (Person A, Person B and Person C). Each person is given a card with their instructions. Give B and C a wrapped, boiled sweet.

Person A's instructions read: 'B and C will make a fist. You MUST get their fists open to get the sweets.'

Person B's instructions read: 'Clench the sweet by making a fist. Person A is going to attempt to get you to open your fist and get the sweet. Open your fist quickly at person A's first attempt to get the sweet.'

Person C's instructions read: 'Clench the sweet by making a fist. Person A is going to attempt to get you to open your fist and get the sweet. You must NOT open your fist unless he/she asks you politely and assertively.'

Run the exercise in this order:
  • Person A attempts to get the sweet from person B
  • Person A attempts to get the sweet from person C
In the second case, most people will try to prise the fingers open.

Make sure everyone gets a sweet and discuss what happened and what others will think about the behaviours demonstrated.

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