Assertive Communication: Tools for Becoming an Effective Communicator

Assertive communication is a key leadership skill that helps individuals express their thoughts, needs, and boundaries clearly and respectfully while building stronger relationships. In this interactive session, participants will explore communication styles and develop practical strategies for communicating with confidence in workplace and team settings.

Through real-world examples and activities, participants will strengthen their listening skills, improve nonverbal communication awareness, and learn techniques for navigating difficult conversations, setting boundaries, and building trust. Participants will also explore how personality styles influence communication and collaboration.

Learning Objectives:

• Increase understanding of assertive communication and communication styles

• Identify passive, aggressive, passive-aggressive, and assertive behaviors

• Strengthen confidence and communication using the Four Cs: confidence, clarity, control, and conciseness

• Improve listening skills and awareness of body language and nonverbal communication

• Practice boundary-setting and strategies for navigating difficult conversations

• Explore personality styles to improve communication and collaboration

This is an in-person workshop in St. Louis, MO.

About the Presenter

Dr. Ashley Storman (she/her) is the Founder and Principal Consultant of The Storman Group LLC, a leadership development, workplace culture, and organizational consulting firm. With 17 years of experience spanning higher education, human resources, consulting, and nonprofit leadership, she specializes in employee engagement, leadership development, organizational culture, strategic planning, mentoring programs, employee resource groups, talent development, and inclusive workplace practices.

An accomplished educator, facilitator, and speaker, Dr. Storman partners with organizations to develop people-centered leaders, strengthen workplace culture, and create environments where employees can thrive. Her work focuses on equipping individuals and teams with the skills, strategies, and mindset needed to foster engagement, belonging, collaboration, and organizational success.

Dr. Storman is also a published author and co-editor of Sharing the Legacy and Narrative Leadership Experiences of Black Women in Education. Her research and scholarship explore leadership development, mentorship, and the experiences of women in leadership. She currently serves on several nonprofit and community boards and is a proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated®. Through her professional and community work, Dr. Storman remains committed to empowering leaders, strengthening organizations, and advancing positive change.