The Power of Voice: Assertive Communication Skills Script

1. Warm-Up: How Do You React? (10 minutes)

Teacher: "Good morning/afternoon everyone! Today, we're going to talk about something incredibly important: how we communicate. Our voices are powerful tools, and learning how to use them effectively can change our relationships and even our lives."

Teacher: "To start, I want you to think about this question: Think about a time someone disagreed with you. How did you react? Maybe a friend didn't like your idea, or a family member had a different opinion. It could be a big disagreement or a small one. Just recall how you felt and what you did."

Teacher: "I'm going to hand out these small slips of paper/index cards. On your card, I want you to write down ONE word that describes your immediate reaction to that disagreement. It could be an emotion, an action, anything that comes to mind. For example, did you feel 'angry,' 'quiet,' 'frustrated,' 'loud,' 'confused,' 'sad'? Just one word, and keep it anonymous please. Take about a minute to think and write."

(Distribute cards. Give students time to write.)

Teacher: "Alright, now I'm going to collect them. I'll read a few aloud, and we'll see the different ways people react when faced with disagreement."

(Collect cards. Read 3-5 diverse words aloud.)

Teacher: "Wow, look at the variety here! We have words like 'silent,' 'loud,' 'annoyed,' 'walked away,' 'fought.' This shows us that there are many different ways people respond to conflict or disagreement. Today, we're going to explore these different ways of communicating and learn how to use our voices powerfully and respectfully."

2. Introduction to Communication Styles (15 minutes)

Teacher: "Let's dive into some common communication styles. There are three main ways people tend to express themselves, especially when faced with challenges or disagreements. We're going to look at Passive, Aggressive, and Assertive communication. As we go through them, think about which style sounds most like you, or someone you know."

(Display Slide Deck: The Power of Voice - Slide 3: Passive Communication)

Teacher: "First up is Passive Communication. As the slide says, this is when you don't express your feelings, needs, or opinions directly. You might avoid conflict at all costs, even if it means sacrificing your own needs or wants. What do you think this might look like? What kind of body language or actions would you expect?"

(Allow students to share. Guide them to ideas like avoiding eye contact, slumped shoulders, quiet voice.)

Teacher: "Exactly. And what might it sound like? What kind of phrases would a passive communicator use?"

(Allow students to share. Guide them to phrases like 'It doesn't matter,' 'Whatever you want,' 'I guess so.')

Teacher: "Good observations. Passive communication can sometimes feel easier in the moment because you're avoiding a confrontation, but what might be some downsides or negative consequences of always communicating passively?"

(Facilitate a brief discussion: feelings of resentment, needs not being met, others making decisions for you.)

(Display Slide Deck: The Power of Voice - Slide 4: Aggressive Communication)

Teacher: "Next, we have Aggressive Communication. This is almost the opposite of passive. Here, you express your feelings, needs, and opinions in a way that is disrespectful, demanding, or even hostile towards others. What do you think this looks like?"

(Allow students to share. Guide them to ideas like yelling, interrupting, glaring, finger-pointing, invading personal space.)

Teacher: "Yes, often it involves trying to dominate or control the situation or the other person. And what might it sound like? What kinds of words or phrases would an aggressive communicator use?"

(Allow students to share. Guide them to phrases like 'You always...', 'You better...', 'It's all your fault!')

Teacher: "That's right. Aggressive communication might get you what you want in the short term, but what do you think are the long-term consequences of communicating aggressively? How does it affect relationships?"

(Facilitate a brief discussion: damaging relationships, making others feel attacked, losing trust, creating more conflict.)

(Display Slide Deck: The Power of Voice - Slide 5: Assertive Communication)

Teacher: "Finally, we come to Assertive Communication. This is what we're going to focus on today as our goal. Assertive communication means expressing your feelings, needs, and opinions clearly and respectfully, while also respecting the rights of others. This is the balance we're looking for."

Teacher: "What do you imagine this looks like? How would someone who is assertive stand, look, or sound?"

(Allow students to share. Guide them to ideas like confident posture, clear eye contact, calm and steady voice, listening actively.)

Teacher: "Excellent. And what might it sound like? What kind of respectful, clear phrases would an assertive communicator use?"

(Allow students to share. Guide them to phrases like 'I feel...', 'I need...', 'Can we find a solution?')

Teacher: "Based on what we've discussed, why do you think assertive communication is often considered the most effective and healthiest way to communicate?"

(Facilitate a brief discussion, leading into the next slide's points.)

3. Exploring Assertive Communication (15 minutes)

(Display Slide Deck: The Power of Voice - Slide 6: Why Be Assertive?)

Teacher: "Let's look at some of the key benefits. Being assertive builds respect – both for yourself and from others. When you communicate assertively, you're more likely to have clearer relationships because there are fewer misunderstandings. It also leads to more effective problem-solving and helps you practice self-advocacy, which means standing up for your own rights and needs. Ultimately, it can even lead to reduced stress because you're not bottling things up or constantly getting into arguments."

Teacher: "This sounds great, but it's not always easy. Sometimes, we know what we want to say, but we don't know how to say it without sounding passive or aggressive. So, let's learn a powerful tool."

(Display Slide Deck: The Power of Voice - Slide 7: "I Feel..." Statements)

Teacher: "One of the best ways to communicate assertively is by using 'I feel...' statements. This formula helps you express yourself clearly and respectfully without blaming the other person. You focus on your feelings and needs."

Teacher: "The formula is: 'I feel [emotion] when [situation] because [reason]. I need/would like [solution/request].' Let's break it down.

• 'I feel [emotion]': Start with how you feel (e.g., frustrated, confused, worried, happy).
• 'when [situation]': Describe the specific action or situation, not the person (e.g., 'when my ideas are interrupted,' not 'when you interrupt me').
• 'because [reason]': Explain why that situation affects you.
• 'I need/would like [solution/request]': Clearly state what you want or what change you'd like to see."

Teacher: "Look at the example on the slide: 'I feel frustrated when my ideas are interrupted because I want to contribute to the discussion. I would like to be able to finish my thoughts.' Notice how it focuses on the speaker's feelings and needs, not on accusing the other person. Can anyone give me another example? How might you use an 'I feel...' statement if a group member isn't doing their share of the work on a project?"

(Guide students to formulate their own 'I feel...' statements. Offer feedback and corrections as needed.)

4. Role-Playing Activity: Practice Makes Progress (20 minutes)

(Display Slide Deck: The Power of Voice - Slide 8: Practice Time: Role-Playing Scenarios!)

Teacher: "Now it's time to put these skills into practice! Learning is one thing, but actually doing it is where the real growth happens. We're going to do a role-playing activity."

Teacher: "I'm going to divide you into small groups of 3-4 students. Each group will receive a scenario. Your task is to act out the scenario three different ways:

1. Passive communication: How would a passive person react?
2. Aggressive communication: How would an aggressive person react?
3. Assertive communication: How would an assertive person react? This is the one we really want to focus on mastering."

Teacher: "After each style, quickly discuss within your group how it felt to be the person communicating and the person receiving the message. The goal is not perfect acting, but to understand and feel the difference between these styles. I will be walking around to listen and offer guidance."

(Distribute Assertive Communication Role-Play Activity handouts. Divide students into groups. Circulate, offering support and feedback. Ensure students understand the task and encourage them to try out the 'I feel...' statements.)

Teacher Coaching Tips during Activity:

• "Remember to exaggerate the body language for passive and aggressive to really feel the difference."
• "For assertive, focus on calm tone, direct eye contact, and those 'I feel...' statements."
• "How did it feel when your partner used an aggressive tone? How did that make you want to respond?"
• "Great job practicing that 'I feel...' statement! Was it hard to avoid blaming language?"

5. Debrief and Reflection (10 minutes)

Teacher: "Alright everyone, let's bring it back together. I saw some really great effort and thinking in your groups. Let's talk about that experience."

Teacher: "What was easy about trying to communicate assertively? What felt natural?"

Teacher: "What was challenging about assertive communication? Did you find yourselves slipping into passive or aggressive habits? Why do you think that happens?"

Teacher: "How did it feel when you were acting out the assertive response, compared to the passive or aggressive ones?"

Teacher: "How do you think it feels to receive an assertive message versus a passive or aggressive one?"

Teacher: "Think about your own lives outside of this classroom. Where is one place or with one person where you feel you could try to be more assertive? What might that look like?"

(Display Slide Deck: The Power of Voice - Slide 9: Your Voice Matters!)

Teacher: "Remember, assertive communication is a skill. It takes practice, and you won't always get it perfectly right away. But by being mindful of how you speak and by choosing to express your needs and thoughts respectfully, you're building healthier relationships, resolving conflicts more effectively, and powerfully advocating for yourself. Your voice matters! Keep practicing, and you'll see a real difference."

Teacher: "Thank you for your active participation today!"

Assertive Communication Role-Play Activity

Instructions:

Work with your group members to act out each scenario below. For each scenario, you will role-play three different ways:

1. Passive Response: How would someone avoid conflict, not express their needs, or let others decide?
2. Aggressive Response: How would someone demand their way, blame others, or disrespectfully express their feelings?
3. Assertive Response: How would someone clearly and respectfully express their needs, feelings, and boundaries? Try using an "I feel... when... because... I need/would like..." statement.

After acting out each style, briefly discuss within your group:

• How did it feel to be the person communicating? (The speaker)
• How did it feel to be the person receiving the message? (The listener)

Scenario 1: Group Project Troubles

You are working on a group project, and one member (let's call them Alex) consistently doesn't do their share of the work, leaving more for others. The deadline is approaching.

Your Role: You are a group member who is frustrated with Alex's lack of contribution.
Alex's Role: Your group member who isn't pulling their weight.

• Passive Response:
  
  
  
  
  
  
• Aggressive Response:
  
  
  
  
  
  
• Assertive Response:
  
  
  
  
  
  

Scenario 2: Borrowed Item Not Returned

A friend borrowed your favorite jacket last week, and they haven't returned it yet. You need it for an event this weekend.

Your Role: You are the person who lent the jacket.
Friend's Role: Your friend who still has the jacket.

• Passive Response:
  
  
  
  
  
  
• Aggressive Response:
  
  
  
  
  
  
• Assertive Response:
  
  
  
  
  
  

Scenario 3: Unwanted Pressure

Some classmates are pressuring you to join them in an activity you're not comfortable with (e.g., skipping class, making fun of someone, going somewhere you don't want to).

Your Role: You are being pressured by your classmates.
Classmate 1 & 2 Roles: You are the classmates doing the pressuring.

• Passive Response:
  
  
  
  
  
  
• Aggressive Response:
  
  
  
  
  
  
• Assertive Response: