Virtue of the Month
Verbal Assertiveness
By: Riley J.
"The virtue, verbal assertiveness, which we all know and love, is one that is very significant to my life. I arrived at Turning Winds with no confidence and therefore, wasn't assertive whatsoever. I would let people control me and lead me down a dark path with no future ahead. After a year of learning and exercising leadership, I have become a motivated and emphatic influence on my peers and even myself. I never would've thought assertiveness could open up so many opportunities for me; I'm now in control of my life and have a positive direction ahead.
There are two types of people in the world: leaders and followers. Leaders, defined by many adjectives, have to be assertive or else they aren't making a big impact. Followers, on the other hand, are usually more timid and don't speak up.
Turning Winds defines Verbal Assertiveness as: speaking up in a supportive and encouraging manner. I've learned to apply this to my own life and help others apply it to theirs as well."
By: Nikolai K.
"Turning Winds Academic Institute defines verbal assertiveness as speaking up in a supportive and encouraging manner. To me verbal assertiveness is the ability to voice your opinions regardless of what others may think, stand up for yourself, and using your voice to help guide others.
Part of being a leader in our group here means holding others accountable, supporting members in the group, and at times being the voice of reason. To be able to do this you need to have the ability to get your voice out in a powerful and supportive way.
Verbal assertiveness is also important to utilize at home and in your life as well. Being able to express your views, take a stand for what you believe in, or just state your opinion is an important tool to have.
Verbal assertiveness also ties in with another virtue we have here...respect. To be able to take a stand, or to voice your views in a way that is respected. With respect your voice is more likely to be heard and have a positive effect on those around you."
