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Your Voice: Speak & Listen

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Chaquoya Vinson

Tier 3

Lesson Plan

Your Voice: Speak & Listen Lesson Plan

Students will learn to identify appropriate times for speaking and listening, understand the importance of balancing both in communication, and practice strategies for effective verbal contribution and active listening.

Effective communication is a vital life skill that impacts relationships, learning, and personal well-being. This lesson will equip students with the discernment to navigate social interactions more successfully, empowering them to express themselves confidently while also being receptive to others.

Audience

7th Grade Individual Student

Time

30 Minutes

Approach

Through direct instruction, guided reflection, and role-playing, students will explore communication scenarios.

Materials

Smartboard or computer with Your Voice: Speak & Listen Slide Deck, Communication Scenarios Worksheet, Reflection Journal, and Pen/Pencil

Prep

Preparation Checklist

10 Minutes

  • Review the Your Voice: Speak & Listen Lesson Plan and all generated materials.
    * Ensure the Your Voice: Speak & Listen Slide Deck is ready for display.
    * Print one copy of the Communication Scenarios Worksheet per student.
    * Prepare one copy of the Reflection Journal per student.
    * Have pens or pencils available for the student.

Step 1

Warm-Up: Think About Talk

5 Minutes

  • Begin by asking the student: “Think about a time you were talking to someone. Did you feel like you were doing all the talking, or all the listening? How did that feel?”
    * Introduce the lesson by explaining that today’s focus is on understanding the balance between speaking and listening. (Refer to Your Voice: Speak & Listen Slide Deck - Slide 1)

Step 2

Direct Instruction: The Balance Act

10 Minutes

  • Use the Your Voice: Speak & Listen Slide Deck (Slides 2-5) to explain the concepts of active listening and thoughtful speaking.
    * Discuss cues for knowing when to listen (e.g., someone is sharing feelings, giving instructions) and when to speak (e.g., asking clarifying questions, offering support, sharing relevant ideas).
    * Emphasize that good communication isn't just about what you say, but also how well you hear others.
    * Engage the student with questions like: “Why is it important to really listen when someone is talking?” and “What are some signs that someone wants you to listen, not just talk?”

Step 3

Activity: Communication Scenarios

10 Minutes

  • Distribute the Communication Scenarios Worksheet.
    * Work through each scenario with the student. For each scenario, guide them to identify whether listening or speaking is more appropriate, and why.
    * Discuss potential responses or actions for each scenario.
    * Encourage the student to explain their reasoning. (e.g.,

Step 4

Cool-Down: Reflect and Apply

5 Minutes

  • Distribute the Reflection Journal.
    * Ask the student to write a short response to the prompt: “One thing I learned today about when to speak and when to listen is... I will try to apply this by...”
    * Conclude by reiterating the importance of thoughtful communication and praising their engagement.
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Slide Deck

Your Voice: Speak & Listen

Finding the balance in conversation.

Welcome the student and set a positive tone. Introduce the lesson's goal: understanding when to speak and when to listen. Ask the warm-up question: “Think about a time you were talking to someone. Did you feel like you were doing all the talking, or all the listening? How did that feel?” Allow time for reflection and a brief share out if the student is comfortable. Transition to the importance of this skill.

Why Does This Matter?

  • Build Stronger Relationships
  • Learn More Effectively
  • Understand Others Better
  • Contribute Thoughtfully

Explain why this skill is crucial for the student personally. Connect it to their experiences in school, with friends, and at home. Emphasize that knowing when to engage and when to absorb information helps build better relationships and learning experiences. Ask: “Why do you think it’s important to know when to listen and when to speak?”

The Power of Active Listening

  • Definition: Fully focusing on what someone else is saying.
  • Looks Like: Making eye contact, nodding, open body language.
  • Sounds Like: Asking clarifying questions, summarizing, empathizing.
  • Goal: To truly understand the other person’s message.

Define active listening. Break down what it looks like and sounds like. Provide examples of verbal and non-verbal cues. Ask the student to identify some signs that they are actively listening or that someone is actively listening to them. “What does it look like when someone is really listening to you?”

The Art of Thoughtful Speaking

  • Definition: Contributing meaningfully and appropriately to a conversation.
  • Looks Like: Waiting for a pause, connecting to the topic, being concise.
  • Sounds Like: Sharing ideas, asking relevant questions, offering support, voicing opinions respectfully.
  • Goal: To enhance the conversation and express yourself clearly.

Define thoughtful speaking. Explain that it’s not just about talking, but about when and how we talk. Discuss the idea of adding value to a conversation. Ask: “When you speak, what do you hope to achieve?” or “How can your words make a conversation better?”

Finding Your Communication Balance

When to LISTEN:

  • Someone is sharing feelings or problems.
  • Receiving instructions or important information.
  • During a presentation or lecture.
  • When someone explicitly asks for your ear.

When to SPEAK:

  • When asked a direct question.
  • To clarify understanding.
  • To offer respectful support or a different perspective.
  • To share relevant, on-topic ideas.
  • When you have something valuable to add that hasn't been said.

Guide the student through this slide. Discuss the 'clues' in each column. For 'When to Listen,' ask: “What happens if you interrupt when someone is sharing feelings?” For 'When to Speak,' ask: “Why is it helpful to ask a clarifying question?” This leads into the activity.

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Worksheet

Communication Scenarios: Speak or Listen?

Directions: Read each scenario below. Decide whether it's a better time to LISTEN or to SPEAK. Then, explain why and what you might do or say in that situation.

Scenario 1

Your friend comes to you looking upset and says, "I just had a really tough argument with my parents."

Your Choice: (Listen/Speak)


Why?


What you might do/say:





Scenario 2

Your teacher is explaining a new project, outlining the steps and expectations. You have a question about the due date, but the teacher is still talking about how to form groups.

Your Choice: (Listen/Speak)


Why?


What you might do/say:





Scenario 3

During a group discussion in class about a book you all read, a classmate shares an interesting interpretation that you hadn't considered. You have a similar, but slightly different, idea to add.

Your Choice: (Listen/Speak)


Why?


What you might do/say:





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Journal

Reflection Journal: My Voice, My Choices

Directions: Think about what we discussed today regarding when to speak and when to listen. Use the space below to reflect on your learning.

Journal Prompt:

One important thing I learned today about when to speak and when to listen is...











I will try to apply this learning in my daily life by...











How might practicing this skill help me in my relationships with friends, family, or in school?












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