Emotional Intelligence Thornton

Emotional Intelligence and Assertive Communication (Workplace)

Having what you want without taking (unreasonably) from others

This highly interactive workplace workshop supports participants to build emotional intelligence and assertive communication skills that underpin respectful, confident and effective professional relationships. Through guided discussion, practical activities and reflection, participants strengthen self‑awareness, enhance communication capability and develop practical tools to manage challenging conversations and provide constructive feedback.

Aligned with Forsythes Training’s leadership and capability development approach, this workshop is suitable for individuals, teams and organisations seeking practical, people‑focused skills that translate directly to the workplace.

About this workshop

Emotional intelligence and communication skills are essential for effective teamwork, leadership and workplace wellbeing. This workshop explores how emotions influence behaviour and decision‑making, and how assertive communication supports clearer expectations, stronger relationships and improved workplace outcomes.

Participants are encouraged to reflect on how they communicate, how they respond under pressure, and how to apply practical strategies to communicate clearly and respectfully in a range of workplace situations.

What the workshop covers

Emotional intelligence

Participants explore emotional intelligence as the foundation for effective communication and professional relationships. Key focus areas include:

• Understanding emotions and their impact on behaviour and decision‑making
• Developing self‑awareness around personal strengths and limitations
• Recognising emotional triggers and managing responses in challenging situations
• Adjusting behaviour to have a positive impact on others

Reflection activities encourage participants to consider how they “turn up” at work and the impact this has on colleagues and teams.

Learning styles (VAK)

The workshop introduces Visual, Auditory and Kinesthetic (VAK) learning styles and explores how people process information differently. Participants learn to:

• Recognise their own preferred learning and communication style
• Adapt communication approaches to suit others
• Improve understanding, engagement and collaboration in the workplace

Communication essentials

This section focuses on core communication skills required in everyday workplace interactions, including:

• Active listening and minimising distractions
• Asking effective open, probing and closed questions
• Clarifying understanding and paraphrasing
• Recognising personal and organisational “lenses” such as values, culture, motivations and experiences

Participants practise applying these skills in realistic workplace scenarios.

Communication styles

Participants explore different communication styles and their impact at work, including:

• Constructive communication styles
• Aggressive and passive defensive styles
• The influence of communication style on motivation, collaboration, risk‑taking and performance

The session highlights the importance of choosing communication approaches that support respectful and productive workplace relationships.

Assertive communication

A key focus of the workshop is building assertive communication skills. Participants learn to:

• Distinguish between assertive and aggressive communication
• Express needs, thoughts and feelings clearly and respectfully
• Use practical tools such as I‑statements
• Balance honesty with empathy in workplace conversations

Feedback skills

Participants build confidence in giving and receiving feedback through:

• Understanding the characteristics of effective feedback
• Recognising and reinforcing positive behaviour
• Addressing issues constructively and respectfully
• Using simple, structured feedback models to support clarity and confidence

Learning approach

This workshop reflects Forsythes Training’s practical, participant‑centred learning approach and includes:

• Interactive discussions and shared learning
• Reflection and self‑assessment
• Practical exercises and role plays
• Peer discussion and feedback

Participants are supported to step outside their comfort zone in a safe, respectful learning environment.

Who should attend

This workshop is suitable for individuals and teams who want to:

• Improve communication and interpersonal skills
• Build emotional intelligence and self‑awareness
• Strengthen teamwork and collaboration
• Communicate more confidently and assertively at work

It is particularly valuable for emerging leaders, supervisors, team members and professionals working in people‑focused roles

Learning outcomes

By the end of the workshop, participants will have:

• Increased awareness of how emotions influence behaviour and communication
• Improved understanding of communication styles and learning preferences
• Practical strategies to communicate assertively and respectfully
• Greater confidence in managing difficult conversations and feedback

Delivery options

This workshop can be delivered:

• Face‑to‑face at the Forsythes Training facility or at your workplace
• Virtual Classroom (online)
• Customised in‑house session for teams
• In a virtual or blended format (by arrangement)
• Content can be contextualised to suit organisational needs, roles and industry requirements.
• Learn from certified trainers with real-world experience.
• Participate in interactive learning experiences.
• Feel supported through your studies with our dedicated Student Support Days to provide one on one guidance.