NCOA Interpersonal Communication Practice Exam

The term that reflects the ability to express oneself confidently while showing respect for others is assertiveness. Assertiveness involves communicating one's thoughts, feelings, and needs openly and honestly, without being aggressive or disrespectful toward others. It balances self-advocacy with empathy, ensuring that while an individual stands firm in their position, they also acknowledge and validate the perspectives of others. This quality is essential in interpersonal communication, as it fosters healthy dialogue and mutual respect.

Feedback, while important in communication, refers to the responses given to someone else's communication rather than one's self-expression. Back channeling involves nodding or using verbal acknowledgments during a conversation to show attentiveness but does not encapsulate the concept of confident expression. Paralanguage pertains to the vocal elements that accompany speech, such as tone and pitch, which can affect the communication of assertiveness but does not define the ability itself.