Confident Communication Drills

Introduction (10 minutes)

Teacher: "Hello! Today, we're diving into something really important: how we communicate. Specifically, we'll focus on 'Communicating Confidently' to help you with self-advocacy. What does 'self-advocacy' mean to you? How do you think communicating confidently helps with that?"

Teacher: "Exactly! It's about speaking up for yourself and your needs. And when you communicate with confidence, your message is much more likely to be heard and respected."

Body Language Practice (15 minutes)

Teacher: "Let's start with body language. Your body speaks volumes even before you say a word. Take a look at these first few slides in Your Confident Voice Toolkit slide deck."

(Display Slides 3-5 of the slide deck)

Teacher: "Now, I want you to try something. First, slump your shoulders, look down, and cross your arms tightly. How does that feel? What message do you think that sends?"

Teacher: "Now, try sitting or standing tall. Shoulders back, head up, arms uncrossed and relaxed. Make eye contact with me. How does this feel different? What message does this send?"

Teacher: "Great! You can feel the difference, right? We're going to use this Body Language Checklist worksheet to really nail down these points. Let's go through it together."

(Guide student through the worksheet, discussing each point and practicing.)

Teacher: "Okay, let's do a quick role-play. Imagine you want to suggest a new idea for a project. How would you show confident body language while you tell me your idea? Go ahead."

(Facilitate a brief role-play, providing feedback on posture, eye contact, and gestures.)

Tone of Voice Practice (15 minutes)

Teacher: "Now, let's talk about your voice. Just like your body, your voice can convey confidence. Look at slides 6-8 in our Your Confident Voice Toolkit slide deck."

(Display Slides 6-8 of the slide deck)

Teacher: "I've got some sentences here from the Confident Communication Drills script. I want you to try saying them in a few different ways. First, say 'I would like to share my thoughts' in a very soft, hesitant voice. Then, say it again, but this time with a clear, steady, confident tone. How did that feel? Which version do you think is more effective?"

Teacher: "Excellent! Now, let's try another one. Say 'Could you please explain that again?' First, rush through it. Then, say it slowly and clearly, adding a slight pause before 'explain'. What difference do the pace and articulation make?"

Teacher: "Fantastic. Let's practice a self-advocacy statement. Imagine you need clarification on an assignment. You might say: 'Excuse me, I'm a bit unclear on the third part of the assignment. Could you please clarify the expectations?' Try saying that, focusing on a confident tone of voice."

(Provide feedback on volume, pace, and clarity.)

Wrap-Up and Reflection (10 minutes)

Teacher: "You've done a great job today. We've covered body language and tone of voice for confident communication. Take a moment to think: What is one new thing you learned or practiced today that you feel will help you advocate for yourself?"

Teacher: "That's a fantastic takeaway. Remember, these are skills that get stronger with practice. Try to pay attention to your body language and tone of voice in your daily conversations. Even small changes can make a big difference. Keep practicing, and you'll find your confident voice becoming more natural!"

Teacher: "Do you have any questions for me about what we covered today?"

Body Language Checklist

Instructions: As you practice confident communication, use this checklist to observe and improve your body language. Mark an "X" in the "Yes" or "No" column for each statement, then reflect on your overall communication.

Reflection Questions:

1. What was one body language element you noticed you did well today?
   
   
   
2. What is one body language element you want to focus on improving in your next conversation?
   
   
   
3. How do you think confident body language impacts how others perceive your message?