Refer to Handout #2: “Communication”.

There are four basic communication styles:

1. Social (or “small”) talk
2. Control talk
3. Search talk
4. Straight talk

Walk through the handout with the students, explaining each category. Give examples or situations that would demonstrate each category.

Mastering these skills is important. (Break into groups and practice using these communication styles with the role-play situations given below.)

1. It is Saturday morning and you have been left in charge of your younger brother and sisters. Before your parents get home, the kitchen has to be cleaned. You have asked your brother several times to take out the garbage, but he forgot. How will you handle this situation?
2. Your mother loaned you her favorite necklace. You accidentally broke it. How will you tell your mother what happened?
3. Your best friend’s little brother wrote all over your new white Nikes with permanent marker while you were spending the night at their house. How will you handle this situation?
4. You are trying to study and your parents have turned the TV up so loud that you cannot concentrate. How will you tell them that the TV is bothering your study time?
5. You are walking to school with a group of friends who want you to skip school with them. What will you tell them?
6. You are in the hallway at school talking to a classmate who wants you to let him copy off of your test. What will you say to him?
7. You are not ready to date but your friend wants you to go with him on a date and wear his ring. How will you communicate?
8. You are walking home from school with two friends who want you to smoke pot with them. What will you say to them?
9. You are at a friend’s birthday party and a girl friend wants you to go in one of the bedrooms with her and shut the door so that you can make out. What will you say to your girl friend?