Slide Deck
Speak Up Styles
Exploring Communication Styles for Effective Interaction.
Welcome students and introduce the session. Say: “Today we’re going to explore different ways people communicate and learn skills to speak up effectively.” Emphasize why communication matters in teamwork and everyday life.
What Is Communication?
• Verbal: spoken or written words
• Non-verbal: tone, facial expressions, body language
Define communication. Ask: “What makes communication effective?” Encourage 2–3 responses. Use examples like talking with friends or working on a project.
Four Communication Styles
1 Passive: avoids sharing needs or opinions
2 Aggressive: pushes own needs at others’ expense
3 Passive-Aggressive: indirect resistance or sarcasm
4 Assertive: expresses needs clearly and respectfully
Introduce the four styles at a high level. Ask students to name examples they’ve seen in school or home.
Passive Style
• Keeps opinions to self
• Apologizes frequently
• Lets others make decisions
Example: Agreeing to a plan you dislike because you don’t want to cause friction.
Explain passive style. Ask: “When have you held back to avoid conflict?”
Aggressive Style
• Interrupts or dominates conversation
• Uses blaming or hostile language
• Focuses on winning
Example: Raising your voice to get your way during a group project.
Explain aggressive style. Ask for real-life examples: “How does it feel when someone interrupts you?”
Passive-Aggressive vs. Assertive
Passive-Aggressive:
• Sarcastic remarks
• Indirect resistance
Assertive:
• Honest “I” statements
• Respect for self & others
Example Passive-Aggressive: “Oh, sure, I’d love to clean up—said no one ever.”
Example Assertive: “I feel frustrated when chores aren’t shared; can we set a cleanup schedule?”
Contrast passive-aggressive with assertive. Role-model both: first a sarcastic comment, then an “I” statement.
Active Listening & “I” Statements
Active Listening:
• Maintain eye contact
• Paraphrase and ask questions
“I” Statements:
• Start with “I feel…”
• Describe behavior and its impact
Prompt: Turn to a partner and use an “I” statement to share how you feel about group work.
Introduce active listening and “I” statements. Prompt students to practice with a partner after the slide.
Lesson Plan
Speak & Listen Smart
Students will learn to identify four communication styles and practice active listening and “I” statements to communicate assertively and collaborate effectively.
Strong communication skills help students resolve conflicts, build confidence, and work respectfully in teams—key for academic and social success.
Audience
9th Grade (Rising 9th Graders)
Time
45 minutes
Approach
Direct instruction, role-play practice, and guided reflection.
Materials
Prep
Prepare Classroom and Materials
10 minutes
- Review the Speak Up Styles Slide Deck to familiarize with content
- Print and cut the Role-Play Scenario Sheets for each group of 4–5 students
- Make copies of the Reflection Worksheets for individual reflection
- Arrange desks or chairs into small clusters to facilitate group work
Step 1
Warm-Up
5 minutes
- Welcome students and introduce today’s goal: improving communication skills
- Ask: “Why is communication important in school and life?”
- Record 2–3 student responses on the board
Step 2
Direct Instruction
10 minutes
- Present slides 1–4 of the Speak Up Styles Slide Deck
- Define communication and introduce the four styles (passive, aggressive, passive–aggressive, assertive)
- Ask for real-life examples to anchor each style
Step 3
Role-Play Activity
15 minutes
- Divide students into groups of 4–5 and distribute a set of Role-Play Scenario Sheets
- Assign each group one scenario and ask them to choose which style to practice (focus on assertive)
- Students take turns role-playing for 3 minutes each, rotating roles
- Circulate to observe and prompt use of active listening and “I” statements
Step 4
Reflection & Discussion
10 minutes
- Hand out Reflection Worksheets
- Students complete prompts: “Which style did I use? How did it feel? What skill was hardest?”
- Invite volunteers to share insights; capture key points on the board
Step 5
Closure & Next Steps
5 minutes
- Summarize takeaways: benefits of assertive communication, active listening, empathy
- Challenge students to set one goal: practice a new communication skill this week
- Remind students to observe their natural style and adjust when needed
Activity
Role-Play Scenario Sheets
Below are four scenarios designed for pairs to practice assertive communication, active listening, and “I” statements. Print and cut each sheet so pairs can pick one at random.
Scenario 1: Sharing Ideas in a Study Group
Situation: You’re in a study group preparing for a big test. One person makes all the decisions and often shuts down others’ suggestions.
Roles:
- Student A (Assertive): Use an “I” statement to express that you have ideas to contribute and suggest taking turns leading the discussion.
- Student B (Listener): Practice active listening—maintain eye contact, paraphrase A’s concern, and respond respectfully.
Scenario 2: Lab Partner Distraction
Situation: During a lab experiment, your partner keeps checking their phone and it’s slowing you down.
Roles:
- Student A (Assertive): Use an “I” statement to explain how the phone interruptions affect your work and ask for focused collaboration.
- Student B (Listener): Show you’re listening by paraphrasing A’s feelings, then agree on a plan (e.g., phone away until experiment finishes).
Scenario 3: Team Lineup in Gym Class
Situation: In gym class, students call out names for teams, and one student is always picked last. That student wants to speak up.
Roles:
- Student A (Assertive): Use an “I” statement to share how it feels to be chosen last and suggest a fair method for forming teams.
- Student B (Listener): Use active listening, reflect on A’s feelings, and offer a solution like drawing names from a hat.
Scenario 4: Classroom Clean-Up Duty
Situation: After a group activity, no one volunteers to clean up. You don’t want to be stuck doing it alone.
Roles:
- Student A (Assertive): Use an “I” statement to communicate that helping together is fair and propose dividing tasks equally.
- Student B (Listener): Practice active listening, paraphrase A’s request, and negotiate who takes which cleanup task.
Worksheet
Reflection Worksheets
After completing your role-play, reflect on your experience by answering the questions below. Take your time to be honest and detailed. did you use most during your role-play? Explain why you chose that style.
2. How did it feel to use this style? Describe any emotions or thoughts you noticed.
3. Which skill was the most challenging for you: active listening or using “I” statements? Explain.
4. What is one specific way you can apply the communication skills you practiced today in your school or personal life?
5. Set a goal for yourself: What communication skill will you focus on improving this week? How will you practice it?