Speaking Up: Challenging and Assertiveness

Through this course, participants will explore the necessary skills to challenge inappropriate behaviours and language in the workplace in a constructive and effective way, in a way that is constructive and effective.‍
Interactive Workshops
Practical examples
Tailored to your needs
Online or in-person

This course boosts individuals confidence to voice opinions and raise concerns and helps to build clear and respectful communication.

Participants learn some conflict management skills, which also help to strengthen workplace relationships. The session aids assertiveness, supporting and assists individuals to set boundaries and ensure their voice is heard.

Using interactive scenarios with actors, we explore:

  • The importance of speaking up and principles of assertiveness
  • Recognising inappropriate behaviour and language in the workplace
  • Challenging inappropriate behaviour (including personal examples)
  • Supporting individuals and being an upstander

We provide techniques for effectively challenging inappropriate behaviours and language and work with you in scenarios appropriate to your context. We can use actors in both role play and 'forum theatre' scenarios to practice the skills needed to navigate challenging conversations.

This course is suitable for staff at all levels.

It is recommended for managers and leaders, and anyone who is expected to give feedback

Last Updated
November 10, 2025
Service Category
Skill Development
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What Clients Says About Us

Simon Goode
Director
“Anita's expertise and leadership in the DEI space has been invaluable to our organisation. She has helped us create a culture of inclusivity and respect, while also providing practical tools and strategies to overcome systemic barriers. We are grateful for the impact she has made on our team and look forward to continuing to learn from her."
Andrew Lawson
Former Head of HR
“I had the great fortune to have worked with Donna Carty over a three-year period whilst at Shakespeare's Globe and beyond. Donna developed a programme of truly inspiring, thought provoking and also challenging training for colleagues at all levels of the organisation and also assisted with policy development and strategic consultancy. I could not recommend Donna more highly to any organisation who are serious and intentional about developing and then implementing their approaches to achieving a more inclusive workplace."
Esther Joseph
Team Manager Autism
"Priscilla spoke at our #LondonVirtualAutisticConference2 - over 1200 people signed up for the event and the feedback on Priscilla's presentation has been outstanding. We have since been recommending schools to view Priscilla's presentation as she gave some very practical ideas as to how school staff can better support Neurodivergent young people in their care. I would definitely recommend Priscilla and would like to hire her again to speak directly to our school staff and colleges. She is relatable, knowledgeable and a good public speaker"
International Operations, Private Sector
Director of Talent
"I wanted to say a huge thank you on both the session content and Angie's delivery. She was an excellent facilitator, credible and had the audience full engaged....so much so that they want to hear more on D&I!"
University of York
Manager
“The trainer was excellent, I was expecting a day of powerpoint karaoke however it was a very interactive course and was very informative. Thanks.”
Anjum Mouj
July 2023
"Anjum's depth of professional knowledge and extremely skilled approach as a specialist trainer in safeguarding, child protection and Unconscious Bias means that she reaches audiences with ease, achieving a shift in perspective and enhanced knowledge base across a wide range of professional backgrounds and skill levels" Fiona Copeland, Executive Headteacher, Persied School, LB Merton
Anonymous
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"Our time together had a greater impact, entirely positive, than I could ever have realistically hoped."
Dr Lewis Turner
Chief Executive
“Luise was recommended to us because of her extensive knowledge and experience of equality and inclusion. Luise certainly delivered what we were looking for within a tight time frame and with attention to detail. Luise was a pleasure to work with, was very professional and focused and we benefitted from her in-depth expertise in this area – we would strongly recommend!
Smoking Apples, April 2023
April 2023
"The outcomes of the first session feel very achievable and this was testament to Donna pitching the level of consultation excellently. There was some constructive consideration, all of which was handled with great care and respect but ultimately I have come away feeling empowered to make the changes we discussed".

We will support you in reaching your Equality, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion goals.