Asserting Yourself-Updated Edition: A Practical Guide For Positive Change [Paperback]

Sharon Anthony Bower (Author), Gordon H. Bower (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: November 2, 2004

Utilizing a number of techniques from behavior-change psychology, speech, communications, and acting, the authors Sharon and Gordon Bower outline an effective assertiveness program to help people improve their self-esteem, articulate their opinions, and develop meaningful relationships. Exercises and examples throughout-including the celebrated "DESC scripts" (describe, express, specify, consequences)-allow readers to practice the program, adapt it to their own lives, and evaluate their progress. For both personal and professional use, Asserting Yourself is the classic guide to building confidence and taking a stand.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Sharon Anthony Bower is President of Confidence Training, Inc. She has led communication workshops for Apple, IBM, Hewlett-Packard, and government agencies. Gordon H. Bower is Professor of Psychology at Stanford University, having received his Ph.D. from Yale. He is a member of the National Academy of Sciences.

Product Details

• Paperback: 256 pages
• Publisher: Da Capo Press; Updated edition (November 2, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0738209716
• ISBN-13: 978-0738209715
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 6.1 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #301,620 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

50 of 51 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Asserting Yourself, October 24, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: Asserting Yourself: A Practical Guide For Positive Change, Updated Edition (Paperback)

This book is extremely useful. I can truly say that it has changed the quality of my relationships in a profound way. The authors teach you how to solve problems with people in relationships ranging from strangers to friends to family. I found answers to problem situations that had frustrated me for years. It taught me how to stand up for myself and ask people to change their undesirable behavior in a way that they are willing to cooperate with. (Most of the time). I am amazed at how well their techniques work. This is not about how to control people. It is about how to control your self. There is an alternative to fighting or giving in. If you want to have happier relationships with people and feel much better about yourself, buy this book.

31 of 31 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent book, July 13, 2002

By 

sivasu (San Jose, CA United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Asserting Yourself: A Practical Guide For Positive Change, Updated Edition (Paperback)

This is a very good book. Unlike other books in this category which dish out a lot of advice, this book gives practical step-by-step instructions that can be easily implemented in real life. The authors have used some innovative techniques from the fields of acting and theatre into assertiveness training. Reading and rereading this book often will definitely help everybody to improve their own lives as well as the lives of people whom they interact with.

33 of 36 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Not bad, but..., June 21, 2002

By 

Ms Diva "cycworker" (Nanaimo, B.C. Canada) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Asserting Yourself: A Practical Guide For Positive Change, Updated Edition (Paperback)

in many ways it's interchangeable with alot of other books on the topic of assertiveness out there. It's worth reading, certainly, I just wouldn't pay full price for it. The DESC model, and the quiz at the beginning to help the reader determine how assertive s/he currently is are great. The material on self esteem and stress were boring to me; I'd seen it before with other sources. Chapters 4 and 5 were the best; they got into the exercises/activities and the DESC model. The remaining chapters weren't as strong. The book started to drag at that point. That said, I do like that the author gave the reader alot of opportunity for practice; the exercises themselves are good. I just wish that there'd been more actual content and information. She could've done a supplemental workbook to include all the extra exercises.