The difference between confidence and assertiveness

By Morgan K. Berry


Confidence and assertiveness are often used interchangeably, and thought to mean relatively the same thing. However, although they may complement each other, they are in many ways very different.

Establishing in what ways the two traits are different is not aided much by the dictionary definition of each term. Assertiveness is defined as conducting oneself with confidence and not hesitating to express desires and beliefs, while confidence is defined as the trait of being certain of yourself and your abilities, or having total trust in something or someone.

The main distinction between the two is communication. Being assertive can only happen if there is someone or something for you to be assertive towards, whereas confidence can exist inwardly and in isolation. There is no real need for any form of interaction where confidence is concerned, and often during an interaction, confidence is perceived to be assertiveness.

Confidence in yourself is often related to knowing your have a high standard of abilities and knowledge in a certain area, otherwise known as being within your comfort zone. For instance, a person is asked to create a presentation on a subject matter they have vast knowledge and expertise in. This is therefore within their comfort zone, allowing them to feel confidence in their abilities to perform the required task. Assertiveness has to have some form of interaction as the whole trait is about how others perceive you, and therefore could not exist without that. Assertive people tend to have very strong communication skills and self confidence.

It is imperative to comprehend the difference between confidence and assertiveness, as well as understand their link. Assertiveness cannot exist without there being underlying confidence and can only exist in a situation where there is communication. The assertiveness is portrayed through strong body language and vocabulary, as well as tone of voice and expressions. Confidence however needs nothing to aid in its existence, as you can be self confident, taking away any need for communication. The key thing to remember is that you can be confident without being assertive, but you can't be assertive without being confident.




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Post a Comment 2 comments:

Unknown said...

thanks for difference sir......love you
shahrome haider

29 January 2019 at 06:49

Nirupama Choudhury said...

Short and simple. Lovely! Thanks for writing about it.

22 April 2020 at 01:02

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