In this course you will learn how to start being assertive in conversation, giving feedback and during conflict situations.
Learn how to confidently express your needs, set boundaries, and communicate clearly in both personal and professional settings. This course is designed for anyone who struggles with saying no, giving feedback, or advocating for themselves without guilt or anxiety. Through practical strategies and self-awareness tools, you’ll begin to shift from passive or people-pleasing habits to calm, direct communication.
From eliminating weak language to using strong body language and managing emotional reactions, you’ll practice skills that build assertiveness without stepping into aggression. With activities, prompts, and long-term techniques, you’ll leave ready to speak up and stay grounded—without retreating to your comfort zone.
Communication Specialist
Jen Oleniczak Brown is the Founder of The Engaging Educator (EE), a company dedicated to helping people improve their interpersonal communication, presentation, and social skills through improv-based education. Since 2012, EE has served over 60,000 students, working with such companies as Viacom, Food Network, The New York Times, Saks Fifth Avenue, and CBS. Jen’s latest book, Think on Your Feet: Tips and Tricks to Improve Your Impromptu Communication Skills on the Job (McGraw Hill Education, November 2019) is one of Inc Magazines “20 Books That Will Kick Off 2020 on the Right Foot” and has been called “a helpful maven’s guide ideal for anyone who views a podium with fear and trembling” by Publishers Weekly. She lives in Winston Salem, NC with her husband, their two dogs Drumstick and Pickle, and over four-dozen houseplants.
This portal is provided as a training and development resource for City of Markham employees. Every course is delivered by a qualified subject matter expert or learning organization, is quantifiable in hours, and is verifiable — you receive a documented certificate of completion for every course you finish, stored on LearnFormula indefinitely.
If you hold a professional designation (for example in engineering, accounting, human resources, or law), courses may be counted as professionally relevant, verifiable learning activities toward your continuing professional development. Individual practitioners are responsible for confirming that an activity meets the requirements of their professional body. For questions about the City of Markham's training and development policies, please speak with your people leader or Human Resources.
