Empathy Script Guide

This word-for-word script helps you guide students through developing empathy by examining the difference between intention and impact. Use these prompts during each phase of the lesson.

1. Introduction & Scenario (5 minutes)

Teacher: “All right, everyone, let’s settle in. Today we’re focusing on our words—how what we mean can end up feeling very different to the person hearing them. We’re going to learn the difference between intention and impact.

Teacher: “Let me set the scene. Imagine your classmate Miguel, an English Language Learner, overhears two peers saying:

• “You’re going to get deported.”
• “Go back to where you came from.”

Teacher: “How would you feel if someone said those things to you? Turn and share one feeling with a partner, then we’ll hear a couple of responses.”
(Pause 20–30 seconds for partner share, then call on 2–3 volunteers.)

Teacher: “Thanks for sharing. You mentioned feeling scared, targeted, even angry. Those are all impacts—how someone experiences words. Our intention is what we mean to convey. Sometimes good intentions can lead to hurtful impacts.”

Teacher: “Let’s put it simply:
Intention = what the speaker means or wants.
Impact = how the listener feels or interprets the message.”

2. Reading & Reflection (10 minutes)

Teacher: “I’m passing out the reading Understanding Intent vs Impact. As you read, underline any words or phrases that might feel threatening or hurtful to someone like Miguel.”

Teacher: “Once you finish underlining, write one sentence reflecting on how the impact differs from the intended message. For example: ‘Even if I meant to warn, saying ‘deported’ made someone feel unsafe.’”

Teacher: “You have 7 minutes to read and annotate, then 3 minutes to write your reflection. Let me know if you need help.”

(Circulate quietly. After 7 minutes, gently remind students to start their one-sentence reflection.)

3. Discussion & Role-Play (10 minutes)

Teacher: “Okay, pencils down. Now, get into pairs and pick one prompt from our Discussion Prompts: Intent vs Impact. Each pair will do two things:

1. Role-play the original statement (speaker vs. listener).
2. Switch roles, then brainstorm an alternative phrasing that keeps the same intention but softens or removes the negative impact.

Teacher: “As you work, I’ll come around with some questions to help you think more deeply.”

(Walk around and use these guiding prompts with each pair:)
• “What did the listener feel when they heard the line? Why?”
• “Did the speaker mean to hurt someone, or just share information? How do you know?”
• “What words or tone could you change to keep your point but make your classmate feel respected?”
• “Imagine you’re Miguel—what wording would make you feel safer or more welcome?”

Teacher: “You have about 6 minutes to role-play and discuss your alternative. Then we’ll share out.”

4. Wrap-Up & Exit Ticket (5 minutes)

Teacher: “Let’s come back together. I’d like two pairs to share:

1. Your original statement and how it landed (impact).
2. Your revised wording that matches your positive intention.

(Invite two pairs to share.)

Teacher: “Thank you. Those are great examples of matching impact to intention. Now, for our exit ticket, write this sentence:

“One way my words can impact someone is ____, and I will ____ to ensure my impact matches my intention.”

Teacher: “You have 3 minutes. Write your response, then hand it in as you leave.”

(Collect exit tickets.)

Keep the tone genuine, encourage open sharing, and reinforce that building empathy takes practice. Good luck!”

Understanding Intent vs Impact

Every day, we use words to share ideas, jokes, or warnings. But the way other people hear our words—the impact—can be very different from what we meant—the intention.

Intention vs Impact

Intention is what you mean or want to say. It’s the idea you hope to share.

Impact is how your words make someone feel or what they understand. It’s about the listener’s experience.

Why It Matters

Sometimes we think our words are clear—or even kind—but the way they land can hurt others. Recognizing this gap helps us choose words that match our good intentions.

Examples to Consider

1. “You’re going to get deported.”
   • Intention: Warn about how immigration rules work.
   • Impact: Miguel may feel scared, unsafe, or targeted.
2. “Go back to where you came from.”
   • Intention: Express frustration or disagreement.
   • Impact: Sounds like you don’t want someone here; it feels excluding or threatening.
3. “Your English is so good.”
   • Intention: Give a compliment.
   • Impact: Implies surprise that someone from another background could speak well; it can feel patronizing.

Thinking About Your Own Words

When you speak, ask yourself:

• What am I trying to say? (Intention)
• How might someone else hear these words? (Impact)

By pausing to think, you can adjust your wording so your impact matches your positive intention.

Intent vs Impact Discussion Prompts

In pairs, choose one of the statements below. For each statement you pick:

1. Role-play the speaker delivering the line and the listener receiving it.
2. Identify the speaker’s intention (what they meant).
3. Describe the impact on the listener (how it might feel).
4. Brainstorm an alternative phrasing that matches the positive intention without the negative impact.

– “I don’t even notice your accent when you speak.”
– “Why don’t you just speak English like the rest of us?”
– “I was only joking—don’t get so sensitive.”
– “Where are you really from?”
– “You speak so well; I thought someone like you wouldn’t be smart.”
– “You must miss home a lot; that must be really hard.”
– “You should teach me some words in your language.”
– “It’s cool that you fit in so well—no one can even tell you’re not from here.”

Once you’ve discussed and rephrased, be ready to share your favorite example with the group.