#Review: Be Assertive by Paz Oshran

Being assertive without coming across as aggressive is a skill many of us struggle to master, and Paz Oshran’s Be Assertive offers a practical guide to navigating this balance. Rather than treating assertiveness as an innate personality trait, the book presents it as a collection of small, learnable behaviours that can gradually transform the way we communicate.

One of its strengths is its emphasis on understanding before responding. The sections on listening styles, body language, and direct and implicit communication encourage readers to examine their own habits as well as other people’s perspectives. The examples drawn from everyday situations make the concepts relatable, while the step-by-step approach offers practical ways to handle disagreements, set boundaries, and express oneself without unnecessary confrontation. The distinction between being assertive, aggressive, and passive is particularly useful.

The writing is straightforward and accessible, favouring clarity over psychological jargon. The conversational tone makes the advice easy to follow, although some explanations and examples feel repetitive. Readers already familiar with communication or self-help literature may find certain ideas less novel than the book suggests. Additionally, while the structured exercises encourage reflection, applying these techniques consistently in emotionally charged situations will require practice beyond simply reading the text.

The layout is functional, with clearly organised chapters, short sections, and practical exercises that make the book easy to navigate. The print is legible, and the physical edition is comfortable to read, though the presentation is relatively plain. However, I missed any novelty in the book. There are so many other similar options and very often, I felt I had read the point before!

Overall, this is a useful, approachable guide for anyone looking to communicate with greater confidence and tact. Its value lies less in groundbreaking insights and more in turning familiar principles into actionable habits.

Find this book here.