What Do They Mean?
Someone smiles, waves, and says, “Hey! Good to see you!” What are they communicating?
They are happy/friendly and probably want to greet or talk to you.
Name one sign that someone is enjoying a conversation.
Smiling, responding, asking questions, facing you, adding to the conversation, etc. (Active Listening)
You don't understand someone's directions. What could you say?
“Can you explain that again?” / “I don't understand.”
Someone directly says, “Leave me alone.” What should you do?
Stop interacting and give them space.
Someone says, “Can we talk later?” What do you do?
Respect their request and talk later.
You ask someone to play a game. They say, “Maybe later,” while continuing what they're doing. What might they mean?
They probably don't want to play right now. You should give them time instead of continuing to ask.
You are telling someone a story and they keep saying “uh-huh” while looking toward the door. What should you notice?
They may be distracted, need to leave, or want the conversation to end.
You're at a restaurant and receive the wrong drink. What could you politely say?
“Excuse me, I ordered ___ instead. Could I please get that?”
Your sibling moves away from you every time you move closer. What might this mean?
They may want more physical space.
You don't know where the bathroom is at a store. What do you do?
Ask an employee or another appropriate person for help/directions.
Someone says, “That’s really funny,” but rolls their eyes and uses an annoyed voice. Do they probably think it’s funny? How can you tell?
Probably not. Their tone of voice and eye roll suggest annoyance or sarcasm.
You walk into a room where two people are having a serious conversation. What could you do before interrupting?
Wait, observe, ask if it's a good time, or come back later.
Someone is standing too close to you and you're uncomfortable. Advocate for yourself.
“Could you give me a little more space, please?” or something similar.
You want to keep talking, but your sibling says, “I'm done talking about this.” What's the best next move?
Stop the conversation and choose another activity/topic or give them space.
You make a joke and your friend suddenly gets quiet. What are two things you could do?
Stop joking, check in, apologize if appropriate, change the subject, or give them space.
You are talking about your favorite show. The other person starts looking at their phone, gives short answers, and doesn't ask questions. What might they be communicating without saying it?
They may be losing interest, distracted, or ready to stop talking.
You are joking with someone. At first they laugh, but then they become quiet and stop smiling. What changed, and what could you do?
They may no longer be enjoying the joke. Stop/modify the conversation/joke and check in or give them space.
You're becoming overwhelmed in a loud environment, but the person you're with wants to stay. What could you say that explains the problem AND what you need?
“It's getting too loud for me. I need to step outside/take a break.”
Someone hasn't told you to leave them alone, but they stop responding, turn their body away, and move farther away. Do you need to wait until they SAY “leave me alone”? Why or why not?
No. Their nonverbal communication is already showing that they likely want space.
You're getting frustrated because someone isn't understanding what you're trying to tell them. Instead of yelling or walking away, what could you do?
Explain what you need differently, ask for help, request a break, slow down, etc.
Someone says, “I’m fine,” but crosses their arms, turns away from you, and speaks in a frustrated voice. Give two possible meanings behind their message.
They could be upset but not want to talk about it, need space, be frustrated with something, etc.
You're excited and talking loudly about something you love. Your sibling puts headphones on, turns away, and says, “Dude, please.” What information should you get from all three cues?
They likely want the interaction/noise to stop and need space. Lower your volume, stop talking to them, or choose another activity.
You're working with a therapist, teacher, or other adult. They keep helping you with something you know you can do independently. How could you advocate for yourself?
“Thanks, but I'd like to try this by myself first. I'll ask if I need help.”
You are telling your sibling a lot about your favorite movie/show. They listened at first, but now they are looking at their phone and say, “I want to do something else.” You still have more you want to tell them. What should you do?
Stop talking about it for now and respect that they want to do something else. You can talk about it later, find someone else who wants to listen, or choose another activity.
You're talking excitedly to your sibling. They say, “Okay…” while looking away and walking toward their room. You follow because you haven't finished your story. They close their door.
Explain:
(1) what they were communicating
(2) what you should do
(3) what you could do instead.
(1) They likely wanted the interaction to end/needed space.
(2) Stop following and give them space.
(3) Finish the story later, talk to someone else, or choose another activity.