Teacher Script: Your Voice, Your Power

Introduction (5 minutes)

"Good morning/afternoon everyone! Today we're going to talk about something super important that you use every single day, maybe without even realizing it: your voice and how you use it. We're going to explore something called tone of voice."

"Think about this: How does how you say something change what you mean? Can anyone give me an example?"

(Listen to a few student responses. Guide them to understand that the same words can mean different things based on the tone.)

"Exactly! The words stay the same, but the feeling changes completely. That feeling is what we call tone of voice. Let's look at our slides to learn more!"

(Transition to Your Voice, Your Power Slide Deck - Slides 1-3)

"As you can see, tone of voice is all about the feeling behind your words. It tells people a lot about how you are feeling without you even saying, 'I'm happy' or 'I'm upset.'"

"We hear and use different tones all the time! Can you think of a time when someone's tone of voice told you more than their actual words?"

Exploring Different Tones (10 minutes)

(Transition to Your Voice, Your Power Slide Deck - Slide 4)

"Let's try an example. I'm going to say the words, 'I'm fine.' But I'm going to say it in a few different ways. Listen carefully and tell me how I'm feeling each time."

(Say "I'm fine" in a happy tone. Ask: "What tone did you hear?"
Say "I'm fine" in an annoyed tone. Ask: "And this time?"
Say "I'm fine" in a sad tone. Ask: "What about now?")

"Isn't it amazing how just changing your voice can change everything? Now, let's talk about three really important ways we can use our voice, especially when we want to get our message across clearly and confidently."

(Transition to Your Voice, Your Power Slide Deck - Slide 5)

"Sometimes we might speak in a passive tone. This is when your voice might be very quiet, or you let others make all the decisions. It's like your voice is saying, 'I don't really mind, whatever you want.'"

"Then there's an aggressive tone. This can be loud, demanding, or even interrupt others. It sounds like your voice is trying to take over or be in charge, maybe even a little angry."

"But the tone we really want to practice is assertive. An assertive tone is clear, confident, and respectful. It means you can say what you think and feel, and still be kind and listen to others. Your voice says, 'This is what I think, and I'm sharing it respectfully.'"

(Transition to Your Voice, Your Power Slide Deck - Slide 6)

"Why is being assertive so awesome, especially for you amazing girls? Because it helps people listen to you, you get your point across clearly, you show confidence, and you respect yourself and others. It helps you stand up for yourself and share your ideas!"

Tone Detective Activity (10 minutes)

(Transition to Your Voice, Your Power Slide Deck - Slide 7)

"Okay, it's time to put on your detective hats! I have a Tone Detective Activity for you. You'll read some short conversations and decide what tone you hear. Then, the most important part: you'll practice how you would say it in an assertive way."

"You can work by yourselves or with a partner. Remember to think about how you can use a clear, confident voice. I'll be walking around to listen to your detective work!"

(Distribute the Tone Detective Activity worksheet. Circulate, listen, and offer guidance. Encourage students to actually say the phrases to hear the difference.)

Wrap-up and Reflection (5 minutes)

(Bring the class back together.)

"Great work, tone detectives! Let's hear a couple of examples. Who wants to share one of their assertive responses?"

(Allow a few students to share. Reinforce their assertive tones.)

"Remember, your voice is incredibly powerful. How you use it can change how people understand you, and how you feel about yourself! We want to be clear, confident, and respectful."

"For our final thought, let's do a quick Confidence Cool Down. Think about one way you will use your clear, confident, assertive voice today, maybe when talking to a friend, sharing an idea, or even just saying hello. What's one thing you'll do?"

"Fantastic! Keep practicing, and remember, your voice, your power!"

Tone Detective Activity

Instructions: Read each mini-conversation below. First, decide what tone you think the character is using. Circle or write down the tone. Then, rewrite or explain how you would say the line using a clear, confident, and assertive tone.

Scenario 1

Friend: "Hey, can I borrow your favorite colored pencil?"

You (mumbling, looking at your shoes): "Uh, sure, I guess so..."

1. What tone is "You" using?

2. How would you say it assertively?

Scenario 2

Teacher: "Who would like to share their idea for the class project?"

Classmate (interrupting loudly): "ME! I HAVE THE BEST IDEA! Everyone has to do what I say!"

3. What tone is "Classmate" using?

4. How would you share your idea assertively?

Scenario 3

Parent: "Did you finish your chores?"

You (sighing heavily, rolling eyes): "Yeah, I guess I did. Is that good enough?"

5. What tone is "You" using?

6. How would you respond assertively?

Scenario 4

Friend: "Let's play soccer!"

You (sounding whiny): "Ugh, soccer again? Can't we ever do what I want?"

7. What tone is "You" using?

8. How would you suggest something else assertively?

Scenario 5

Someone bumps into you accidentally.

You (loudly, with a frown): "Watch where you're going! You nearly knocked me over!"

9. What tone is "You" using?

10. How would you respond assertively if someone accidentally bumped into you?

Challenge Question: Why is it important to use an assertive tone, even when you're feeling frustrated or upset?

Confidence Cool Down: My Assertive Voice

Today we learned about the power of our voice and how to use a clear, confident, and assertive tone. This means speaking up for yourself and expressing your thoughts and feelings respectfully.

Think about one situation where you will try to use your assertive voice today or this week. It could be with a friend, a family member, or even in class.

1. What is the situation?

2. What will you say or do using your assertive voice?

3. How do you think using an assertive voice will make you feel?