Warm Up
Share Your Story: A Warm-Up on Communication
Objective: To get students thinking about how they communicate and interact with others daily.
Instructions:
1. Introduction (2 minutes): Greet students and introduce the warm-up activity. Explain that today's lesson is about how we talk and listen to each other.
2. Think-Pair-Share (8 minutes): Ask students to think about a time they told a story to someone. It could be about their day, a funny memory, or something they learned.
* Prompt: "Think about a time you told a story to a friend or family member. How did you feel while telling it? How did they react?"
* Give students 2 minutes to think individually.
* Ask students to turn to a partner and share their story and their reflections for about 3 minutes each.
3. Whole Group Share (5 minutes): Bring the class back together. Ask a few volunteers to share their stories or observations from their discussions. Highlight different ways people shared and listened.
Time: 15 minutes
Lesson Plan
What's Your Comm Style?
Students will be able to identify and describe four basic communication styles (Passive, Aggressive, Passive-Aggressive, Assertive) and understand their characteristics and potential impacts.
Understanding different communication styles helps students better express themselves and interpret others' messages, leading to improved relationships and reduced conflict in their personal and professional lives. This self-awareness empowers them to communicate more effectively and build stronger connections.
Audience
Adult Learners with Disabilities
Time
2 Hours
Approach
Interactive storytelling, guided discussion, and reflective activities.
Materials
Whiteboard or projector, Markers or pens, Slide Deck: Communication Styles Unpacked, Script: Communication Styles Guide, Reading: Exploring Communication Styles, Worksheet: My Communication Style, Discussion: Communication Scenarios, Quiz: Style Check, Warm Up: Share Your Story, and Cool Down: One Big Takeaway
Prep
Review Materials
30 minutes
- Review the entire lesson plan, Slide Deck: Communication Styles Unpacked, Script: Communication Styles Guide, Reading: Exploring Communication Styles, Worksheet: My Communication Style, Discussion: Communication Scenarios, Quiz: Style Check, Warm Up: Share Your Story, and Cool Down: One Big Takeaway.
* Prepare the projector/whiteboard setup for the slide deck.
* Print copies of the Worksheet: My Communication Style and Reading: Exploring Communication Styles for each student.
* Ensure markers/pens are available for student activities and notes.
Step 1
Warm-Up: Share Your Story
15 minutes
- Begin with the Warm Up: Share Your Story activity to get students thinking about their communication experiences.
* Follow the instructions provided in the warm-up material.
Step 2
Introduction to Communication Styles
15 minutes
- Use the Slide Deck: Communication Styles Unpacked (Slides 1-3) and Script: Communication Styles Guide to introduce the concept of communication styles.
* Engage students with questions about why understanding communication is important.
Step 3
Exploring Communication Styles (Reading & Discussion)
40 minutes
- Distribute the Reading: Exploring Communication Styles. Give students 15-20 minutes to read it individually or in pairs.
* After the reading, facilitate a brief discussion using prompts from the Script: Communication Styles Guide related to the reading content and Discussion: Communication Scenarios (Part 1 - understanding styles).
Step 4
Applying Communication Styles (Worksheet & Discussion)
30 minutes
- Introduce and distribute the Worksheet: My Communication Style. Guide students through the exercises, allowing time for individual completion (10-15 minutes).
* Transition to the Discussion: Communication Scenarios (Part 2 - applying styles) where students discuss hypothetical situations and identify appropriate communication styles.
Step 5
Quiz: Style Check
15 minutes
- Administer the Quiz: Style Check to assess student understanding of the different communication styles.
* Collect quizzes for review or go over answers as a class, using the Answer Key: Style Check Quiz if generated.
Step 6
Cool Down: One Big Takeaway
5 minutes
- Conclude the lesson with the Cool Down: One Big Takeaway activity.
* Ask students to reflect on one key thing they learned or found interesting about communication styles.
Slide Deck
Communication Styles Unpacked: What's Your Way of Talking?
Let's explore how we share our thoughts, feelings, and needs!
Welcome students and introduce the exciting topic of communication styles. Encourage them to think about how they talk and listen.
Why Talk About Talking?
• Have you ever felt misunderstood?
• Or found it hard to understand someone else?
• Knowing communication styles helps us connect better!
Ask students: "Why do you think it's important to understand how we communicate?" Listen to their ideas and connect them to real-life situations like talking to friends, family, or people at work.
What Are Communication Styles?
Just like people have different personalities, we also have different ways of communicating.
Let's learn about 4 main styles:
Explain that there are different ways people communicate. We'll look at four main styles today. Mention that understanding these styles can help us be better friends, family members, and community members.
Style 1: Passive Communication
• What it looks like: Quiet, avoids saying what they really think or feel, puts others' needs first.
• Sounds like: "It's fine, whatever you want," or "I don't really mind."
Introduce the Passive style. Emphasize that it's about putting others' needs first, sometimes at the expense of one's own. Ask: "Can you think of a time someone might act passively?" (e.g., agreeing to something they don't want to do)
Style 2: Aggressive Communication
• What it looks like: Loud, demanding, interrupts others, focuses on their own needs only.
• Sounds like: "You'll do it my way!" or "That's a stupid idea."
Introduce the Aggressive style. Highlight that it's about being forceful and focusing only on one's own needs. Ask: "When might this style cause problems?" (e.g., making someone feel bad, arguments)
Style 3: Passive-Aggressive Communication
• What it looks like: Acts sweet or quiet but then shows anger or frustration indirectly (e.g., gossiping, silent treatment, sarcasm).
• Sounds like: "Oh, it's fine. I guess I'll just do it myself then," (with a sigh).
Introduce the Passive-Aggressive style. Explain that this style can be confusing because the person might seem passive but is actually expressing anger or frustration indirectly. Ask: "Why might this style be tricky to deal with?" (e.g., hard to know what's really wrong)
Style 4: Assertive Communication
• What it looks like: Clear, honest, respectful, stands up for themselves and others, finds fair solutions.
• Sounds like: "I understand your point, and I also need to share my idea," or "I feel X when Y happens, and I need Z."
Introduce the Assertive style as the goal. Explain that it's about being clear and respectful. Ask: "Why do you think being assertive is helpful?" (e.g., getting needs met, solving problems fairly)
Which Style Do You Use?
• We all use different styles at different times.
• What's important is knowing them and choosing the best way to talk.
• Assertive is usually the best way to go!
Review the four styles briefly. Transition to the idea that we can learn to use assertive communication more often. This leads into the reading and worksheet.
Time to Practice!
• Let's try to identify these styles in action.
• We'll read some examples and think about what we would do.
Introduce the worksheet activity. Explain that it will help them think about their own communication habits and how they can practice being more assertive.
Quick Check: How Much Did You Learn?
• Now, let's see what you remember about communication styles.
• Do your best and don't worry too much!
Prepare students for the quiz. Remind them it's a way to see what they've learned and not a test they should be stressed about. Encourage them to do their best.
Your Main Takeaway!
What is one important thing you learned about communication styles today?
This is the final slide for the Cool Down. Prompt students to share their main takeaway.
Script
Communication Styles Guide: Teacher Script
## Part 1: Welcome and Warm-Up (15 minutes)
(Teacher says while displaying Slide Deck: Communication Styles Unpacked - Slide 1: "Communication Styles Unpacked: What's Your Way of Talking?")
"Good morning/afternoon, everyone! Welcome to today's lesson. We're going to talk about something we all do every single day: communicate! That means how we talk, how we listen, and how we share our thoughts and feelings with others. Today, we're going to unpack different ways people communicate, and hopefully, this will help us all understand each other better.
To start, let's do a quick Warm Up: Share Your Story activity. I want you to think about a time you told a story to a friend or family member. How did you feel while telling it? How did they react? Maybe they were really listening, or maybe they seemed distracted. Take a couple of minutes to think quietly about this.
(Pause for 2 minutes for students to think)
"Okay, now I want you to turn to a partner. Share your story with them and talk about how you felt and how they reacted. Your partner should listen carefully, and then you'll switch roles. You each have about three minutes to share."
(Monitor partner discussions for 6 minutes)
"Alright, everyone, let's bring it back together. Did anyone have a story they'd like to share with the whole group? Or maybe something interesting they noticed about how their partner listened?"
(Allow 5 minutes for 2-3 volunteers to share, acknowledge different responses and listening styles.)
"Thank you for sharing! It's clear we all have different experiences when we talk to each other, and that's exactly what we're going to explore today.
## Part 2: Introduction to Communication Styles (15 minutes)
(Teacher says while displaying Slide Deck: Communication Styles Unpacked - Slide 2: "Why Talk About Talking?")
"Have you ever felt like someone just didn't 'get' what you were trying to say? Or maybe you found it really hard to understand what someone else wanted? Sometimes, these things happen because we use different ways of communicating. But the good news is, once we know about these different ways, we can learn to connect better.
(Teacher says while displaying Slide Deck: Communication Styles Unpacked - Slide 3: "What Are Communication Styles?")
"Just like people have different personalities – some are quiet, some are outgoing – we also have different ways of communicating. Today, we're going to learn about four main styles. Understanding these can be like having a secret key to better conversations! Let's dive in.
## Part 3: Exploring Communication Styles (40 minutes)
(Teacher says while displaying Slide Deck: Communication Styles Unpacked - Slide 4: "Style 1: Passive Communication")
"Our first style is Passive Communication. Look at the slide. What does it look like? Someone who communicates passively often avoids saying what they really think or feel. They might say 'It's fine, whatever you want' even if it's not what they want. They often put other people's needs before their own, which can sometimes mean their own needs aren't met. Can anyone think of a time someone might act passively?"
(Allow for a few student responses)
(Teacher says while displaying Slide Deck: Communication Styles Unpacked - Slide 5: "Style 2: Aggressive Communication")
"Next up is Aggressive Communication. This style is very different. An aggressive communicator might be loud, demanding, and interrupt others. They focus mainly on their own needs, sometimes without thinking about how others feel. They might say things like, 'You'll do it my way!' When might this style cause problems?"
(Allow for a few student responses)<
(Teacher says while displaying Slide Deck: Communication Styles Unpacked - Slide 6: "Style 3: Passive-Aggressive Communication")
"Then we have Passive-Aggressive Communication. This one can be a little tricky. Someone might seem sweet or quiet on the surface, but they're showing their anger or frustration in indirect ways. Maybe they give the silent treatment, gossip, or use sarcasm. They might say, 'Oh, it's fine. I guess I'll just do it myself then,' with a big sigh, instead of just saying what's bothering them. Why might this style be tricky to deal with?"
(Allow for a few student responses)
(Teacher says while displaying Slide Deck: Communication Styles Unpacked - Slide 7: "Style 4: Assertive Communication")
"Finally, we have Assertive Communication. This is often our goal! An assertive communicator is clear, honest, and respectful. They stand up for themselves and others, and they try to find fair solutions. They might say, 'I understand your point, and I also need to share my idea,' or 'I feel X when Y happens, and I need Z.' Why do you think being assertive is helpful?"
(Allow for a few student responses)
(Teacher says while displaying Slide Deck: Communication Styles Unpacked - Slide 8: "Which Style Do You Use?")
"It's important to remember that we all use different styles at different times. No one is perfectly assertive all the time! But what's important is knowing these styles and trying to choose the best way to talk, especially aiming for assertive communication when we can.
Now, to help us understand these styles better, I'm going to hand out a Reading: Exploring Communication Styles. This reading gives more details and examples of each style. You can read it quietly to yourselves, or if you prefer, you can read it with a partner. We'll take about 15-20 minutes for this."
(Distribute Reading: Exploring Communication Styles and allow 15-20 minutes for reading)
"Okay, everyone. Let's talk about what you read. What was one new thing you learned about a communication style? Or an example that really stood out to you?"
(Facilitate a brief discussion using prompts from Discussion: Communication Scenarios - Part 1 for 15-20 minutes, focusing on understanding the styles from the reading.)
## Part 4: Applying Communication Styles (30 minutes)
(Teacher says while displaying Slide Deck: Communication Styles Unpacked - Slide 9: "Time to Practice!")
"Great discussion! Now it's your turn to think about your own communication. I'm going to give you a Worksheet: My Communication Style. This worksheet has some questions and scenarios to help you think about which styles you use and how you might practice being more assertive. Take about 10-15 minutes to work on this."
(Distribute Worksheet: My Communication Style and allow 10-15 minutes for completion)
"Now that you've thought about your own style, let's move into some real-life situations. We're going to use the Discussion: Communication Scenarios again, but this time, let's focus on Part 2: 'Applying Styles.' I'll read out some scenarios, and as a class or in small groups, we'll talk about which communication style is being used and what an assertive response might look like."
(Facilitate discussion for 15-20 minutes using Discussion: Communication Scenarios - Part 2.)
## Part 5: Quiz and Cool Down (20 minutes)
(Teacher says while displaying Slide Deck: Communication Styles Unpacked - Slide 10: "Quick Check: How Much Did You Learn?")
"You've done a fantastic job learning about these communication styles. Now, to see how much you've understood, we're going to do a quick Quiz: Style Check. Don't worry, it's just a way for us to see what stuck with you. Do your best!"
(Distribute Quiz: Style Check and allow 15 minutes for completion. Collect quizzes.)
(Teacher says while displaying Slide Deck: Communication Styles Unpacked - Slide 11: "Your Main Takeaway!")
"Alright, everyone, we're almost done! For our Cool Down: One Big Takeaway, I want each of you to think about one important thing you learned about communication styles today. It could be about your own style, someone else's, or just a general idea. We'll go around the room and share one thought."
(Go around the room, allowing each student to share one takeaway for 5 minutes.)
"Thank you all for a great discussion and for exploring these important ideas with me today! Understanding communication styles is a powerful tool you can use every day. Have a wonderful rest of your day!"
Reading
Exploring Communication Styles: How Do We Talk?
Have you ever noticed that people talk in different ways? Some people are very direct, while others are more quiet. Understanding these different "communication styles" can help us get along better with everyone! Let's learn about four common styles.
## 1. Passive Communication
Imagine someone who always says "yes" even when they want to say "no." That's often a passive communicator. They might:
* Keep their thoughts and feelings to themselves.
* Avoid disagreements or arguments.
* Put other people's needs before their own, sometimes forgetting about what they want.
* Speak softly or avoid eye contact.
Example: Your friend asks you to help them move, but you're really tired and have other plans. A passive communicator might say, "Sure, I guess so," even though they don't want to, and then feel stressed or resentful later.
## 2. Aggressive Communication
Now, think about someone who always needs to be in charge and gets angry easily. This might be an aggressive communicator. They tend to:
* Speak loudly and sometimes interrupt others.
* Try to control situations and people.
* Focus only on their own needs and feelings.
* Might use strong language or even insult others.
Example: You and your friend are deciding where to eat. An aggressive communicator might say, "We're eating at my favorite place, and that's final! Your ideas are always boring."
## 3. Passive-Aggressive Communication
This style can be a bit confusing! A passive-aggressive communicator doesn't express their anger or frustration directly. Instead, they:
* Might seem calm or agreeable, but show their anger in other ways.
* Give the "silent treatment" when they're upset.
* Gossip or complain about others behind their backs.
* Use sarcasm (saying something nice but meaning something mean).
Example: Your roommate didn't clean up their mess. A passive-aggressive communicator might leave a note saying, "Some people never clean up after themselves," instead of directly saying, "Please clean up your mess."
## 4. Assertive Communication
This is often the most helpful way to communicate! An assertive communicator is clear, honest, and respectful. They:
* Clearly say what they think, feel, and need.
* Listen to others and respect their opinions.
* Look for solutions that work for everyone.
* Speak in a calm, clear voice and make good eye contact.
Example: Your friend asks you to help them move, but you're busy. An assertive communicator might say, "I appreciate you asking, but I can't help you this weekend because I have other plans. I hope you find someone to help!" They are honest about their availability while still being kind.
Worksheet
My Communication Style: What Do I Do?
## Part 1: Identifying the Styles
Read each statement below. Which communication style does it sound like? Write Passive, Aggressive, Passive-Aggressive, or Assertive next to each one.
1. "I really don't care where we eat. Whatever everyone else wants is fine."
Style:
2. "You will listen to me! My idea is the best, and you're wrong!"
Style:
3. "(Sighs loudly and rolls eyes when asked to do something, but says 'It's fine')."
Style:
4. "I understand your point, and I also need to share how I feel about this."
Style:
5. "I'm upset that you borrowed my book without asking. Next time, please ask me first."
Style:
6. "(Leaves a passive-aggressive note about a messy kitchen instead of talking to the roommate directly)."
Style:
## Part 2: Thinking About Me
Think about how you usually communicate. Answer the questions below.
1. What communication style do you use most often? Why do you think that is?
2. Can you think of a time when you used a passive style? What happened?
3. Can you think of a time when you used an aggressive style? What happened?
4. Can you think of a time when you used a passive-aggressive style? What happened?
5. Describe a time when you used an assertive style. How did it feel, and what was the result?
6. What is one thing you can try to do to communicate more assertively in the future?
Discussion
Communication Scenarios: Let's Talk It Out!
## Part 1: Understanding Styles (After Reading)
(Use these prompts after students have read Reading: Exploring Communication Styles.)
1. What was one new thing you learned about a communication style from the reading?
2. Which communication style do you think is the hardest to deal with? Why?
3. Can you think of a character from a book or a TV show who often uses an aggressive style? How does it make you feel to watch them?
4. Why do you think some people might use a passive communication style?
5. What are some benefits of using an assertive communication style?
## Part 2: Applying Styles (After Worksheet)
(Use these scenarios to practice identifying and responding with assertive communication after students have completed Worksheet: My Communication Style. Discuss as a whole group or in small groups.)
Scenario 1: The Group Project
You are working on a group project, and one member isn't doing their share of the work. You need to talk to them.
* What would a passive person do?
* What would an aggressive person do?
* What would a passive-aggressive person do?
* What would an assertive person say or do? (Role-play if comfortable)
Scenario 2: Borrowed Item
Someone borrowed something important from you and hasn't returned it. You need it back.
* How might a passive person handle this?
* How might an aggressive person handle this?
* How might a passive-aggressive person handle this?
* What would an assertive person say or do? (Role-play if comfortable)
Scenario 3: Disagreeing with a Friend
Your friend has an opinion that you strongly disagree with. You want to express your view without upsetting them.
* What would a passive response look like?
* What would an aggressive response look like?
* What would a passive-aggressive response look like?
* What would an assertive person say or do? (Role-play if comfortable)
Scenario 4: Feeling Unfairly Treated
You feel like you were treated unfairly in a situation, and you want to express your feelings and find a solution.
* How would someone acting passive respond?
* How would someone acting aggressive respond?
* How would someone acting passive-aggressive respond?
* What would an assertive person say or do? (Role-play if comfortable)
Quiz
Style Check
Cool Down
One Big Takeaway: Communication Styles
Instructions:
Think about everything we discussed today about communication styles. On the lines below, write down one important thing you learned or found interesting. It could be about your own communication, how others communicate, or why understanding these styles is important.
My one big takeaway is:
Answer Key
Style Check Quiz Answer Key
## Part 1: Multiple-Choice Questions
1. Which communication style involves putting others' needs before your own and avoiding saying what you truly think or feel?
* Correct Answer: Passive
* Explanation: Passive communicators often prioritize the feelings and needs of others over their own, leading them to suppress their true thoughts and emotions to avoid conflict.
2. Someone who is loud, demanding, and focuses only on their own needs is most likely using which communication style?
* Correct Answer: Aggressive
* Explanation: Aggressive communication is characterized by a forceful, often confrontational approach where individuals prioritize their own needs and desires, often at the expense of others.
3. If someone acts sweet but then shows anger indirectly through sarcasm or silent treatment, they are using which style?
* Correct Answer: Passive-Aggressive
* Explanation: Passive-aggressive communication involves expressing negative feelings indirectly. The individual avoids direct confrontation but conveys their dissatisfaction through subtle, often manipulative behaviors.
4. Which communication style is characterized by being clear, honest, respectful, and seeking fair solutions?
* Correct Answer: Assertive
* Explanation: Assertive communication is a direct, honest, and respectful way of expressing one's thoughts, feelings, and needs while also considering and respecting the rights and feelings of others.
## Part 2: Open-Response Question
5. Describe a situation where using assertive communication would be helpful. How would you communicate assertively in that situation?
* Expected Answer: Responses will vary but should demonstrate an understanding of assertive communication principles. A strong answer will include a clear scenario and specific assertive language or actions. For example:
* Situation: A friend constantly borrows money and doesn't pay it back.
* Assertive Communication: "I value our friendship, and I feel uncomfortable when you borrow money and don't pay it back. It puts a strain on me. I need you to understand that I can't lend you money anymore until you pay back what you owe."
* Key points to look for in student responses:
* Clearly states feelings ("I feel...").
* States needs or boundaries ("I need...", "I can't...").
* Uses respectful language.
* Avoids blame or aggression.
* Seeks a clear understanding or resolution.