What's Your Communication Superpower Style?

Read each statement below and circle the answer that best describes you. Be honest! There are no right or wrong answers.

Part 1: How You Express Yourself

1. When I want something, I usually:
   a) Hint about it and hope someone notices.
   b) Ask for it directly and clearly.
   c) Demand it until I get my way.
   d) Don't say anything, even if I really want it.
   
   
   
   

2. If someone is bothering me, I usually:
   a) Get angry and tell them off loudly.
   b) Say nothing, but act annoyed or grumpy.
   c) Tell them politely how I feel and what I need.
   d) Avoid them or pretend it doesn't bother me.
   
   
   
   

3. When I have a different idea from my friends, I:
   a) Keep my idea to myself to avoid argument.
   b) Tell them my idea and explain why I think it's good.
   c) Insist that my idea is the best and refuse to listen to others.
   d) Agree with them, but secretly wish my idea was chosen.
   
   
   
   

4. When I need help with homework, I:
   a) Don't ask, hoping someone will offer to help.
   b) Clearly ask for help and explain what I'm stuck on.
   c) Get frustrated and say things like, "This is impossible! No one ever helps me!"
   d) Try to do it all myself, even if I get really confused.
   
   
   
   

Part 2: How You Listen and React

5. When someone is talking to me, I usually:
   a) Listen carefully and ask questions to understand.
   b) Interrupt them to share my own thoughts.
   c) Zone out or look away, not really paying attention.
   d) Nod along, but sometimes think about other things.
   
   
   
   

6. If I disagree with what someone says, I:
   a) Change the subject or make a joke.
   b) Say, "I understand your point, but I see it differently because..."
   c) Tell them they are wrong and explain why.
   d) Stay quiet, but feel annoyed inside.
   
   
   
   

7. When I feel angry or upset, I:
   a) Yell, stomp my feet, or throw things.
   b) Try to pretend I'm not angry.
   c) Tell someone, "I feel angry when..." and explain why.
   d) Give someone the silent treatment.
   
   
   
   

8. When someone compliments me, I:
   a) Say "Thank you!"
   b) Act shy and say, "Oh, it was nothing."
   c) Say, "I know, right? I'm the best!"
   d) Change the subject quickly.
   
   
   
   

Quiz Reflection:

Look back at your answers. Are there any letters you circled most often?

What do you notice about how you communicate?

Do you think your communication style helps you get what you need and get along with others? Why or why not?

What is one thing you would like to try to improve about your communication style?

Scenario Cards: Practice Your Superpower!

Instructions: In your groups, read each scenario. First, role-play the situation using a non-assertive communication style (passive, aggressive, or passive-aggressive). Then, role-play the same scenario again, but this time use assertive communication and "I" statements to express your feelings and needs clearly and respectfully.

Scenario 1: Group Project Trouble

Your group is working on a presentation, and one member isn't doing their share. They keep playing games on their tablet instead of helping.

• Non-Assertive Role-Play: How would you react if you were passive, aggressive, or passive-aggressive?
• Assertive Role-Play: How would you use an "I" statement to address the issue with your teammate?

Scenario 2: Lunchroom Line Cutter

You are waiting patiently in the lunch line, and another student pushes in front of you and your friend.

• Non-Assertive Role-Play: How would you react if you were passive, aggressive, or passive-aggressive?
• Assertive Role-Play: How would you use an "I" statement to let the student know you were there first?

Scenario 3: Unwanted Advice

You are telling a story about your weekend, and a friend keeps interrupting you to tell you how they would have done things differently.

• Non-Assertive Role-Play: How would you react if you were passive, aggressive, or passive-aggressive?
• Assertive Role-Play: How would you use an "I" statement to ask your friend to listen without interrupting?

Scenario 4: Borrowed Without Asking

You notice that your favorite pencil is missing from your desk. Later, you see another student using it without asking.

• Non-Assertive Role-Play: How would you react if you were passive, aggressive, or passive-aggressive?
• Assertive Role-Play: How would you use an "I" statement to get your pencil back and discuss borrowing?

Scenario 5: Choosing a Game

It's recess, and your friends want to play a game you really don't enjoy. You want to suggest a different game.

• Non-Assertive Role-Play: How would you react if you were passive, aggressive, or passive-aggressive?
• Assertive Role-Play: How would you use an "I" statement to suggest a different game while respecting your friends' wishes?

Communication Superpower Warm Up

Instructions: Think about how you talk and listen every day. Answer the questions below in a few sentences.

1. Imagine you want to tell your friend about something exciting that happened. How do you usually tell them? Do you talk fast, slow, use hand gestures, or just tell them the facts?
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

2. What does it mean to be a

Communication Superpower Cool Down

Instructions: Briefly answer the following questions to reflect on what you learned today.

1. What is one new thing you learned about communication styles today?
   
   
   
   

2. What is an "I" statement? Give an example.
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

3. When is one time today or this week you could try using assertive communication with an "I" statement?
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

Communication Style Quiz Answer Key: Understanding Your Superpower Style

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Communication Styles: Discussion Questions

Instructions: Use these questions to guide a class or small group discussion after introducing communication styles and taking the quiz.

1. What are the four communication styles we talked about today? Can you describe each one in your own words?
   
   
   
   
   
   

2. Why do you think it's important to understand different communication styles?
   
   
   
   
   
   

3. Based on your quiz, what communication style do you think you use most often? What makes you say that?
   
   
   
   
   
   

4. Can you think of a time when someone communicated in a passive way? What happened?
   
   
   
   
   
   

5. Can you think of a time when someone communicated in an aggressive way? How did it make you feel?
   
   
   
   
   
   

6. What does it mean to communicate assertively? Why is assertive communication often considered the most effective?
   
   
   
   
   
   

7. When might it be difficult to use assertive communication? What makes it challenging?
   
   
   
   
   
   

8. How can practicing "I" statements help you communicate more assertively?
   
   
   
   
   
   

9. What is one situation where you think you could try using more assertive communication?