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My Communication Compass: Navigating Tough Talks

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Lesson Plan

My Communication Compass: Navigating Tough Talks

Students will be able to identify key components of effective communication in challenging situations, practice active listening, express needs assertively and empathetically, and apply de-escalation strategies to manage conflicts.

Effective communication is a vital life skill, enabling students to build stronger relationships, resolve conflicts peacefully, and advocate for themselves in various social and academic settings. This lesson provides practical tools for navigating difficult conversations.

Audience

8th Grade Students

Time

60 minutes

Approach

Interactive role-playing and scenario-based discussions.

Materials

Whiteboard or Projector, Slide Deck: Navigating Tough Talks, Markers or Pens, Activity: Role-Play Scenarios, and Worksheet: Communication Compass Reflection

Prep

Teacher Preparation

15 minutes

Step 1

Warm-Up: Communication Check-In

5 minutes

  • Begin by asking students: "What makes a conversation 'tough'?" (2 minutes)
    - Facilitate a brief class discussion, jotting down key student responses on the board. (3 minutes)

Step 2

Introduction to Communication Compass

10 minutes

  • Present the Slide Deck: Navigating Tough Talks (Slides 1-3).
    - Introduce the concept of a 'Communication Compass' with its three points: Clear, Assertive, and Empathetic communication. (5 minutes)
    - Discuss why each point is crucial for navigating tough talks. (5 minutes)

Step 3

Deep Dive: Active Listening & 'I' Statements

15 minutes

  • Continue with the Slide Deck: Navigating Tough Talks (Slides 4-6).
    - Explain and model active listening techniques (e.g., nodding, paraphrasing, asking clarifying questions). (7 minutes)
    - Introduce 'I' statements as a way to express feelings and needs respectfully without blaming. Provide examples and have students brainstorm a few. (8 minutes)

Step 4

Activity: Role-Play Scenarios

20 minutes

  • Divide students into small groups of 2-3. (2 minutes)
    - Distribute the Activity: Role-Play Scenarios.
    - Instruct students to choose one scenario and role-play it, focusing on applying active listening and 'I' statements. (15 minutes)
    - Circulate and provide guidance as needed. (3 minutes)

Step 5

Reflection and Share-Out

5 minutes

  • Bring the class back together. (1 minute)
    - Ask a few groups to share their experiences or key takeaways from the role-playing. (4 minutes)

Step 6

Cool-Down: Communication Compass Reflection

5 minutes

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Slide Deck

Welcome! What makes a conversation 'Tough'?

Think about a time when you had a difficult conversation.

  • What made it tough?
  • How did you feel?
  • What do you wish you had done differently?

Welcome students and introduce the day's topic. Ask students to think about what makes conversations difficult and why. Encourage a brief share-out.

Your Communication Compass

Guiding you through tricky conversations.

  • Clear
  • Assertive
  • Empathetic

Introduce the idea of a 'Communication Compass' as a tool for navigating these tough talks. Explain that we'll be exploring three key points today.

The Three Points of Your Compass

Clear Communication

  • Getting your message across simply and directly.

Assertive Communication

  • Standing up for yourself while respecting others.

Empathetic Communication

  • Understanding and sharing the feelings of another.

Briefly explain what each point means. Clear: Easy to understand. Assertive: Expressing needs respectfully. Empathetic: Understanding others' feelings.

Active Listening: Hear What They're Really Saying

It's more than just hearing words!

  • Pay Attention: Look at the person, put away distractions.
  • Show You're Listening: Nod, make eye contact, say "Mmm-hmm."
  • Don't Interrupt: Let them finish their thoughts.
  • Paraphrase: Repeat what you heard in your own words. "So, if I understand correctly, you're saying..."
  • Ask Clarifying Questions: "Can you tell me more about that?"

Transition to discussing specific strategies, starting with active listening. Emphasize that listening is a huge part of communication.

'I' Statements: Owning Your Feelings

Speak for yourself, not for others.

  • Avoid "You always..." or "You never..."
  • Focus on YOUR feelings and YOUR needs.

Formula:

  • I feel (your emotion)
  • when (the specific behavior or situation)
  • because (the impact on you)
  • and I need/would like (your request).

Introduce 'I' statements. Explain that they help express feelings without sounding accusatory, which can de-escalate tension.

Let's Practice 'I' Statements!

Example:

Instead of: "You never help with chores!"

Try: "I feel frustrated when the dishes pile up because I end up doing them all, and I would like us to make a chore schedule together."

Your Turn! How would you use an 'I' statement if a friend constantly borrows your things without asking?

Provide a clear example and then ask students to brainstorm how they might use 'I' statements in a tough conversation.

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Activity

Role-Play Scenarios: Navigating Tough Talks

Instructions:

  1. Work in groups of 2-3.
  2. Choose one of the scenarios below.
  3. Role-play the scenario, focusing on using your Communication Compass skills:
    • Active Listening: Pay attention, don't interrupt, paraphrase, ask clarifying questions.
    • "I" Statements: Express your feelings and needs without blaming.
    • Try to find a respectful way to resolve the situation.
  4. After your role-play, discuss with your group:
    • What went well?
    • What was challenging?
    • How did using active listening and "I" statements change the conversation?

Scenario 1: The Group Project Goof-Up

You are working on a group project, and one of your teammates (Partner A) hasn't done their share of the work, even though the deadline is approaching. You are feeling stressed and worried about your grade. You need to talk to Partner A about it.

Your Goal:

  • Express your concerns calmly.
  • Listen to Partner A's perspective.
  • Work together to create a plan for getting the work done.













Scenario 2: The Borrowed Item Blunder

Your friend (Partner B) borrowed your favorite hoodie last week and hasn't returned it. You've seen them wearing it, and you're starting to feel annoyed because you want it back, and they didn't ask to keep it so long.

Your Goal:

  • Clearly state that you want your hoodie back.
  • Express how you feel about the situation.
  • Listen to your friend's explanation.
  • Discuss expectations for borrowing items in the future.













Scenario 3: The Misunderstanding Mix-Up

You overheard a friend (Partner C) talking about you, and it sounded like they were saying something negative that wasn't true. You feel hurt and confused. You decide to talk to Partner C directly about what you heard.

Your Goal:

  • Explain what you heard and how it made you feel.
  • Give Partner C a chance to explain their side.
  • Try to clear up the misunderstanding.













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Worksheet

Communication Compass Reflection

Name: ________________________

Part 1: Your Communication Compass

  1. In your own words, explain what each point of the Communication Compass means to you:

    • Clear Communication:


    • Assertive Communication:


    • Empathetic Communication:


  2. Why is it important to use all three points of the Communication Compass when navigating a tough talk?





Part 2: Active Listening and "I" Statements

  1. List three strategies you can use to be a better active listener:







  2. Imagine a situation where you need to talk to a family member about a shared responsibility (e.g., chores, using a shared space). Write an "I" statement you could use to express your feelings and needs respectfully.










Part 3: Applying Your Skills

  1. Think about a challenging conversation you might have in the future (with a friend, teacher, or family member). Briefly describe the situation:


  2. How will you use the skills from your Communication Compass (clear, assertive, empathetic communication, active listening, and "I" statements) to approach this conversation?











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My Communication Compass: Navigating Tough Talks • Lenny Learning