Communication Skill Script

Warm-Up: How Do You Communicate? (5 minutes)

"Good morning/afternoon, everyone! To kick things off today, let's think about communication. I want you to take a moment and jot down, or if you prefer, think about, how you typically communicate with others. Do you mostly text? Talk face-to-face? Are you a good listener? Do you find it easy to express yourself? You can write it down or just think about it for a minute."

"Now, turn to a partner and briefly share one thought about how you communicate. What's one way you communicate a lot, or one thing you find challenging?" (Allow 2-3 minutes for quick partner shares, then bring the class back together).

"Great. It sounds like we all communicate in different ways, and sometimes it's easier than others. Today, we're going to dive into making our communication even better!"

Introduction and Objectives (5 minutes) - Speak Up! Slide Deck (Slides 1-2)

"(Display Speak Up! Slide Deck, Slide 1: 'Speak Up!'). Our lesson today is called 'Speak Up!', and it's all about the art of effective communication. What do you think that phrase 'speak up' means in this context?" (Allow a few student responses).

"Exactly. It's not just about making noise, but about making your voice heard clearly and thoughtfully."

"(Display Speak Up! Slide Deck, Slide 2: 'Our Communication Quest'). So, by the end of our quest today, our goals are to: identify different ways we communicate, understand the importance of active listening, practice expressing ourselves clearly and kindly, and recognize how communication impacts our relationships. These are skills you'll use every single day, whether you're talking to a friend, working on a project, or even just asking for help."

What is Communication? (10 minutes) - Speak Up! Slide Deck (Slides 3-5) & Discussion: What Makes Communication Effective?

"(Display Speak Up! Slide Deck, Slide 3: 'What is Communication?'). When you hear the word 'communication,' what comes to mind? Is it just talking?" (Allow responses).

"As you can see, it's more than just talking! We have verbal communication – the actual words we say. But then there's non-verbal communication, which includes things like our body language, facial expressions, and gestures. And, of course, written communication like texts, emails, and notes. Can anyone give me an example of how a non-verbal cue might change the meaning of your words?"

"(Display Speak Up! Slide Deck, Slide 4: 'Why Do We Communicate?'). We communicate for so many reasons: to share information, to express feelings, to build relationships, to resolve conflicts, and even to persuade or influence others. Think about a time recently when you communicated for one of these reasons. What was it?"

"(Display Speak Up! Slide Deck, Slide 5: 'Communication Roadblocks'). But sometimes, communication can be tough. What are some things that make it difficult to communicate effectively?" (Encourage students to share. Use the slide points as a guide: not listening carefully, making assumptions, strong emotions, distractions, unclear messages, misinterpreting body language).

"These are all great points. We're going to explore some of these further in our Discussion: What Makes Communication Effective?."

Video Lecture: The Power of Your Words (5 minutes) - Video Lecture: The Power of Your Words

"To help us think even more about the impact of our communication, we're going to watch a short video called Video Lecture: The Power of Your Words. I want you to pay close attention and after the video, be ready to share one key takeaway – something that really stuck with you." (Play video).

"Okay, what was one key takeaway from that video? What resonated with you?"

Active Listening Activity (10 minutes) - Speak Up! Slide Deck (Slide 6) & Active Listening Activity

"(Display Speak Up! Slide Deck, Slide 6: 'The Superpower of Active Listening'). One of the biggest roadblocks we mentioned was not listening carefully. So, let's talk about the superpower of active listening. It's not just hearing; it's understanding. Look at these points on the slide. Active listening means giving the speaker your full attention: eyes on them, no interruptions, and really trying to understand their message, not just waiting for your turn to speak. It also means asking clarifying questions and summarizing what you heard."

"Now, let's practice this with our Active Listening Activity. I'm going to put you in pairs. One person will be the speaker, and the other will be the active listener. The speaker will talk about their favorite hobby or a recent exciting event for about one minute. The listener's job is to use all the active listening skills we just discussed. After the minute, the listener must summarize what the speaker said, and the speaker will confirm if they felt truly heard and understood. Then, you'll switch roles." (Provide clear instructions and monitor groups).

"How did that feel? Listeners, was it harder than you thought? Speakers, what did it feel like to be truly listened to?"

Communication Scenarios Worksheet (10 minutes) - Communication Scenarios Worksheet

"Great work with active listening! Now, let's apply our communication skills to some real-life situations. I'm handing out the Communication Scenarios Worksheet. You can work individually or in pairs. Read each scenario and think about how you would use effective communication strategies – active listening, clear expression, empathy – to navigate these situations. You'll write down your responses." (Distribute worksheets and allow students to work).

"As you're working, I'll be walking around to see how you're doing and answer any questions."

Communication Charades Game (5 minutes) - Communication Charades Game

"Let's have some fun and practice non-verbal communication! We're going to play a quick round of Communication Charades Game. I'll divide you into two teams. I'll whisper a word or phrase to one person from each team, and they have to act it out without speaking. Their team guesses. This will highlight how much we communicate without saying a word!"

Wrap-Up and Next Steps (5 minutes) - Cool-Down: My Communication Takeaway, Communication Project Guide, Communication Project Rubric

"Excellent work today, everyone! We covered a lot about communication, from listening to speaking, and even how our body talks. Remember, communication is a skill that gets better with practice, just like playing a sport or an instrument."

"For a longer-term assignment, I'm providing you with the Communication Project Guide and the Communication Project Rubric. This will give you a chance to apply these skills in a more in-depth way."

"Also, for some extra reading, you can take home the Effective Communication Reading. We will also have a quick Communication Check-In Quiz soon to see what you remember, and a more comprehensive Communication Skills Test later on. I'll provide the Quiz and Test Answer Key to help you study."

"Finally, for our cool-down, please complete the Cool-Down: My Communication Takeaway exit ticket. Just write down one thing you learned or one communication skill you want to practice. Thank you, everyone!"

Warm-Up: How Do You Communicate?

Take a moment to think about how you typically communicate with others. Reflect on the following questions and jot down your thoughts in the space provided. You can also discuss these with a partner.

1. What are two ways you most often communicate with friends and family? (e.g., texting, talking face-to-face, video calls, social media)
   
   
   
   
2. What do you find easy about communicating with others?
   
   
   
   
3. What is one challenge you sometimes face when trying to communicate?
   
   
   
   
4. When someone is speaking to you, do you usually listen to understand, or listen to respond? Explain.
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

Discussion: What Makes Communication Effective?

• Opening Question: Thinking about our different ways of communicating (verbal, non-verbal, written) and the reasons we communicate, what do you think makes a message truly effective? What's the goal when we communicate?

• Follow-up Questions:

  • Can you think of a time when your verbal message said one thing, but your non-verbal cues (like your body language or tone) said something else? What happened?
  • Why is it important to consider who you're communicating with? Does your communication style change when talking to a friend versus a teacher or parent?
  • What are some common 'communication roadblocks' you've experienced in your own life? How did they feel?
  • How does listening play a role in effective communication? Is it as important as speaking? Why or why not?

Video Lecture: The Power of Your Words

(Note to teacher: This material is a placeholder for a short video lecture (approximately 3-4 minutes) that you can find or create focusing on the impact of words, active listening, and empathetic responses. An example search term could be 'the power of communication for teens' or 'active listening skills for students'.)

Description of Video Content:

This video explores how our words, tone, and body language shape our interactions and influence others. It highlights the importance of thoughtful and empathetic communication in building strong relationships and resolving conflicts. Key topics covered include:

• The ripple effect of words: How what we say can have lasting positive or negative impacts.
• Listening beyond words: Understanding non-verbal cues and underlying emotions.
• Empathy in action: Putting yourself in someone else's shoes to communicate more effectively.
• Constructive feedback: Giving and receiving feedback in a way that helps rather than harms.

Discussion Prompt after Video:

"What was one key takeaway from that video? What resonated with you about the power of your words?"

Active Listening Activity

Objective: To practice the skills of active listening and empathetic understanding.

Instructions:

1. Pair Up: Find a partner for this activity.

2. Assign Roles: Decide who will be Speaker A and who will be Listener B for the first round.

3. Round 1 (3 minutes):

   • Speaker A: Talk for about 1-1.5 minutes about your favorite hobby or a recent exciting event. Share details, how it made you feel, and why it's important to you.
   • Listener B: Practice active listening! This means:
     • Making eye contact.
     • Nodding and using encouraging gestures.
     • Not interrupting.
     • Focusing on understanding, not formulating your reply.
     • Asking one or two clarifying questions if something isn't clear (e.g., "Can you tell me more about that?" or "What did you enjoy most?").

4. Listener Summary (1 minute): After Speaker A finishes, Listener B should summarize what they heard in their own words. For example: "So, if I understand correctly, you're saying that [summarize Speaker A's main points and feelings]. Is that right?"

5. Speaker Feedback (0.5 minute): Speaker A, tell Listener B if you felt truly heard and understood. What did they do well as a listener?

6. Switch Roles: Now, switch! Listener B becomes Speaker B, and Speaker A becomes Listener A. Repeat steps 3-5.

Reflection Questions (for class discussion after the activity):

• Listeners, was it harder or easier than you expected to truly not interrupt and just listen? Why?
• Speakers, what did it feel like when your partner actively listened and then summarized what you said? How did it feel if they missed something?
• What was the most challenging part of being an active listener?
• What's one thing you learned about communication from this activity?

Communication Scenarios Worksheet

Instructions: Read each scenario carefully. For each scenario, describe how you would use effective communication skills (active listening, clear expression, and empathy) to respond. Explain your reasoning.

Scenario 1: Misunderstanding with a Friend

Your friend, Alex, seems upset with you. They haven't been responding to your texts quickly, and when you see them in the hallway, they give you short answers. You're not sure why they're mad, but you want to fix things.

• How would you approach Alex to discuss this?
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
• What would you say to express your feelings and try to understand theirs?
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
• How would you actively listen to Alex's response?
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  

Scenario 2: Group Project Disagreement

You're working on a group project, and one of your teammates, Sam, isn't doing their share of the work. The deadline is approaching, and you're worried your grade will suffer.

• How would you communicate your concerns to Sam without being accusatory?
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
• What specific non-verbal cues would you be mindful of when talking to Sam?
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
• If Sam gets defensive, how would you respond with empathy while still addressing the problem?
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  

Scenario 3: Asking for Help from a Teacher

You're struggling with a concept in math class and don't understand the homework. You feel a bit embarrassed to ask for help.

• How would you clearly and respectfully ask your teacher for help?
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
• What information would you need to provide so the teacher understands your specific difficulty?
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
• What might be a good time or way to approach the teacher?
  
  
  
  
  
  
  

Communication Charades Game

Objective: To recognize and practice non-verbal communication cues.

Materials: Small slips of paper with communication-related words/phrases, a hat or bag to draw from.

Instructions:

1. Prepare Slips: Before class, prepare slips of paper with various words or short phrases that can be acted out. Examples include:

   • Listening carefully
   • Being confused
   • Showing excitement
   • Feeling shy
   • Apologizing
   • Asking a question
   • Giving directions
   • Showing anger
   • Comforting someone
   • Disagreement
   • Agreeing
   • Greeting a friend

2. Divide into Teams: Divide the class into two or more teams.

3. Gameplay:

   • One player from Team 1 comes to the front and draws a slip of paper.
   • Without speaking or making any sounds, the player acts out the word or phrase for their team.
   • Their team has a set amount of time (e.g., 1-2 minutes) to guess the word or phrase.
   • If the team guesses correctly within the time limit, they earn a point.
   • If they don't guess, the other team gets one chance to steal by guessing.
   • Teams take turns acting and guessing.

4. Discussion after Game (optional):

   • What was challenging about communicating without words?
   • What non-verbal cues did you use or look for?
   • How important is body language when we are trying to understand someone?

Cool-Down: My Communication Takeaway

Before you leave today, please take a moment to reflect on our lesson about communication. In the space below, write down:

1. One new idea or skill you learned about effective communication today.
   
   
   
   
2. One communication skill you want to practice more in your own life (e.g., active listening, using "I" statements, paying attention to body language).
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

Effective Communication: A Guide for Young People

Communication is the process of sending and receiving messages. It's how we share our thoughts, feelings, and ideas with others. But it's more than just talking! Effective communication means that your message is understood by the other person in the way you intended.

Why is Communication So Important?

Good communication skills are essential for many reasons:

• Stronger Relationships: It helps you build and maintain friendships, family bonds, and other connections.
• Resolving Conflicts: When disagreements happen, good communication helps you work through them fairly.
• Success in School: You can ask questions, participate in discussions, and work effectively on group projects.
• Future Opportunities: In any job or career, being able to communicate clearly is a huge advantage.
• Personal Well-being: Expressing yourself effectively can reduce stress and help you feel understood.

The Two Big Parts of Communication

1. Speaking Clearly and Expressing Yourself

When you're the one sending the message, think about these tips:

• Be Direct and Specific: Don't beat around the bush. Say what you mean clearly. Instead of "I don't really like this" try "I prefer [specific thing] over [this thing] because [reason]."
• Use "I" Statements: When expressing feelings, focus on yourself. For example, instead of "You always make me mad," try "I feel frustrated when [situation occurs] because [reason]."
• Mind Your Tone and Body Language: Your voice (how loud, fast, or high-pitched it is) and your body (facial expressions, posture, gestures) speak volumes. Make sure they match your words!
• Consider Your Audience: Adjust your communication style based on who you're talking to. You'd talk differently to a close friend than to a principal.

2. Active Listening

Listening is often more important than speaking. Active listening means fully focusing on the other person to understand their message and feelings.

• Give Your Full Attention: Put away distractions (like your phone!). Make eye contact to show you're engaged.
• Don't Interrupt: Let the speaker finish their thoughts completely.
• Listen to Understand, Not Just to Reply: Focus on their message, not on what you're going to say next.
• Ask Clarifying Questions: If something is unclear, ask questions like "What do you mean by that?" or "Can you tell me more?"
• Paraphrase or Summarize: Repeat what you heard in your own words. This shows you were listening and gives the speaker a chance to correct you if you misunderstood. For example: "So, if I understand correctly, you're saying..."
• Show Empathy: Try to understand and share the feelings of another. Even if you don't agree, acknowledge their emotions.

Overcoming Communication Roadblocks

Communication isn't always smooth. Common roadblocks include:

• Assumptions: Thinking you know what someone means without asking.
• Distractions: Phones, other conversations, or your own thoughts pulling your attention away.
• Strong Emotions: Anger, sadness, or extreme excitement can make it hard to think clearly and listen.
• Misinterpretations: Non-verbal cues or tones can be misunderstood.

To overcome these, practice patience, self-awareness, and the skills we've discussed. Remember, effective communication is a journey, not a destination. The more you practice, the better you'll become!}

Quiz and Test Answer Key

Communication Check-In Quiz Answers

Question 1: Which of the following is an example of non-verbal communication?

• Correct Answer: Shaking your head to say 'no'
• Thought Process: Non-verbal communication is about conveying messages without words. Shaking one's head is a physical gesture that communicates 'no' or disagreement, making it a clear example of non-verbal communication.

Question 2: What does 'active listening' primarily involve?

• Correct Answer: Giving your full attention to understand the speaker's message
• Thought Process: Active listening is defined by a focused effort to fully comprehend the speaker's message, including their words, tone, and body language. The other options describe actions that detract from understanding or are not the primary focus of active listening.

Question 3: Explain one reason why using 'I' statements can improve communication.

• Correct Answer: Using 'I' statements helps you express your feelings and needs without blaming the other person. It focuses on your perspective, making the message less confrontational and easier for the other person to hear and understand.
• Thought Process: 'I' statements shift the focus from accusations ('You make me...') to personal feelings ('I feel...'). This reduces defensiveness in the listener, opening the door for more productive dialogue and mutual understanding.

Communication Skills Test Answers

Question 1: Which of these is NOT a component of effective verbal communication?

• Correct Answer: Making assumptions about the listener's thoughts
• Thought Process: Effective verbal communication requires clarity and consideration for the listener. Making assumptions bypasses active listening and understanding, which is detrimental to effective communication.

Question 2: When practicing active listening, what is a helpful strategy?

• Correct Answer: Asking clarifying questions
• Thought Process: Asking clarifying questions demonstrates engagement and a desire to understand the speaker's message more deeply. It helps prevent misunderstandings and shows the speaker that their message is being processed.

Question 3: Describe a situation where non-verbal communication might contradict verbal communication, and explain the likely outcome.

• Correct Answer: A student says, "I'm fine," but their arms are crossed, their shoulders are slumped, and they avoid eye contact. The non-verbal cues suggest they are not fine, possibly feeling upset or defensive. The likely outcome is that the listener will pick up on the non-verbal message and understand that the verbal message is not the full truth, leading to confusion or a feeling that something is wrong.
• Thought Process: This question assesses the understanding of congruence between verbal and non-verbal cues. When they contradict, non-verbal cues often carry more weight, leading to a breakdown in trust or accurate understanding of the speaker's true feelings.

Question 4: Empathy in communication primarily involves:

• Correct Answer: Trying to understand and share the feelings of another
• Thought Process: Empathy is about putting oneself in another's shoes and understanding their emotional state, which is crucial for building rapport and communicating supportively. The other options do not accurately define empathy in communication.

Question 5: Imagine a friend is upset about a low grade on a test. Using effective communication skills, how would you respond to them to show support and understanding?

• Correct Answer: I would start by actively listening to my friend, letting them express their feelings without interruption. I would maintain eye contact and nod to show I'm engaged. I would use an 'I' statement to express my concern, for example, 'I can see you're really disappointed about that grade, and I'm sorry you're feeling that way.' I might then ask clarifying questions like, 'What part of the test was most challenging?' to understand their perspective better, showing empathy and avoiding jumping to conclusions or giving unsolicited advice.
• Thought Process: This response demonstrates the application of several key communication skills: active listening (no interruption, eye contact, nodding), empathetic language ('I can see you're disappointed'), and clarifying questions to understand their perspective rather than immediately offering solutions or judgment. It shows a holistic understanding of effective communication in a supportive context.

Communication Project: Bridging the Gap

Objective: To demonstrate understanding and practical application of effective communication skills in a real-world context.

Project Description:

For this project, you will choose a communication challenge you or someone you know has experienced (or a hypothetical one) and develop a plan to address it using the effective communication strategies we've learned. You will then present your plan.

Possible Project Ideas (choose one or propose your own):

• Scenario Analysis & Solution: Choose a real or imagined scenario where communication broke down (e.g., a family disagreement, a misunderstanding with a friend, difficulty expressing needs). Analyze why it broke down and propose a step-by-step communication plan to resolve it effectively. This could be written as a detailed narrative or presented as a report or presentation.
• Interview & Reflect: Interview an adult (teacher, parent, mentor) about a time they successfully navigated a difficult communication situation. Reflect on their strategies and how they align with what we learned. Present your findings.
• Public Service Announcement (PSA): Create a short video, podcast, or poster campaign that educates other students about a specific aspect of effective communication (e.g., active listening, using "I" statements, empathy).

Project Components:

1. Project Proposal (due [Date]): A one-paragraph summary of your chosen project idea and how it will demonstrate your understanding of communication skills.
2. Research/Planning (ongoing): Gather information, outline your plan, draft your content.
3. Final Project Submission (due [Date]): The completed project (report, presentation, video, etc.) that clearly addresses the challenge and applies communication strategies.

Presentation: You will present your project to the class. Presentations should be 3-5 minutes and highlight:

• The communication challenge you addressed.
• The strategies you used/proposed.
• What you learned through the process.

Remember to refer to the Communication Project Rubric for grading criteria!

Communication Project Rubric