This week, ETSU’s Robertson Center hosts Speak Your Truth: Assertive Communication Workshop. The workshop is a collaboration between the center and Counseling Services, focusing on teaching students strategies for conflict resolution.
The workshop takes place Nov. 17 from 3-4 p.m. in the Robertson Center. Heidi Marsh, coordinator for center engagement and vital support services, said students will be able to learn what conflict looks like, potential challenges in conflict management and steps for identifying the core of the conflicts they may face. Additionally, students will “do exercises to practice active listening” and engage in learning about how to utilize assertive communication and identify and enforce personal boundaries.
“One of the reasons we wanted to offer this toward the end of the semester is that we face more conflict as our lives grow more stressful and we juggle different pressures,” Marsh said.
The workshop will focus on nonviolent communication, which focuses on speaking from one’s own experience, instead of speaking to the experience of the other party in a conflict. Marsh noted that nonviolent communication is a “skill that can lend itself to effective communication in the classroom, whether it’s with peers or instructors.”
The conflict resolution abilities discussed in the workshop can help students in every area of life, whether it be academic, personal or career-based. Conflict is something everyone will face at some point, making the workshop helpful for all students.
Students will learn how to distinguish between passive, aggressive and assertive communication and come away from the workshop better equipped to handle conflict in a constructive, positive manner. Marsh noted that “finding common ground” is vital to healthy conflict management. When parties can “acknowledge that it’s OK to disagree” and yet still work toward a common goal, some of the barriers to effective, healthy communication are removed.
The Robertson Center is working to help students navigate end-of-semester stress, offering additional events like the Stress GPS seminar Nov. 19, as well as a variety of events during De-Stress Week, including friendship bracelet making, terrarium building and a tea ceremony.
The Robertson Center is open weekdays from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. and on Saturdays from noon to 5 p.m. It is an open space for students to relax and study in a calming environment. More information about the center can be found at etsu.edu/students/robertson or the center’s Instagram @robertson_etsu.
