Passive Communication
What is passive communication?
Passive communication means not sharing what you really think or feel.
100: What does aggressive communication mean?
Aggressive communication is when someone shares their thoughts in a very strong, pushy, or loud way that can feel overwhelming to others.
100: What is assertive communication?
Assertive communication is when someone shares their thoughts and feelings clearly and calmly while still respecting others.
100: What is the first step in the STOP-THINK-CHOOSE process?
The first step is to STOP and pause before you react.
100: What is a trouble starter action?
A trouble starter action is something you do that can lead to a problem or a disagreement.
Give an example of a passive response to a friend asking for help.
If a friend asks for help, a passive response might be, "I guess so," even though you don't want to.
200: Give an example of an aggressive response.
An aggressive response might be shouting, "Give it to me now!" or saying something mean when you are frustrated.
200: Why is assertive communication helpful in relationships?
Assertive communication is helpful because everyone gets to hear what you need and you get to hear what they need too.
200: Why is it important to take a breath before making a decision?
Taking a breath gives your brain a moment to calm down so you can think more clearly.
200: Name one action that can start trouble in a friendship.
One action that can start trouble is teasing someone or taking their things without asking.
Why might someone choose to communicate passively?
Someone might choose passive communication because they are scared of arguing or want to keep the peace.
300: How can aggressive communication hurt others?
Aggressive communication can make others feel scared, rushed, or upset, even if the person did not mean to hurt anyone.
300: Give an example of an assertive response to a friend.
An assertive response might be, "I feel upset when you borrow my things without asking—please ask me first next time."
300: What should you think about during the THINK step?
During the THINK step, you should think about your choices and what might happen with each one.
300: Why is it important to recognize trouble starter actions?
It is important to recognize them so you can notice when a small action might grow into a bigger problem.
How can passive communication affect relationships?
Passive communication can hurt relationships because people might not know what you really need and you might feel ignored.
400: What is one way to improve aggressive communication when you notice it?
One way to adjust is to pause, take a breath, and try saying the same thing in a calmer voice.
400: How does assertive communication make you feel?
Assertive communication can make you feel proud, respected, and more confident in your friendships.
400: How can STOP-THINK-CHOOSE help when you're feeling upset?
STOP-THINK-CHOOSE helps when you are upset because it gives you time to choose a response you feel good about later.
400: What is an alternative to a trouble starter action?
An alternative is to pause and ask a polite question or walk away before things get harder.
What is a way to improve communication instead of being just passive?
A flexible way is to notice when you have a strong feeling and practice sharing it kindly, like saying, "I actually need a break right now—can we help each other later?"
500: Why is it helpful to be mindful of how we communicate when we feel strongly?
Being mindful is helpful because our strong feelings are real, but we can choose words and a voice that keep the conversation safe and respectful for everyone.
500: What are some techniques for practicing assertive communication?
Some techniques are using "I feel" statements, making eye contact, and using a calm, steady voice.
500: Describe a time when you used STOP-THINK-CHOOSE to make a good decision.
One time I used STOP-THINK-CHOOSE was when a friend made me mad, so I stopped, thought about my choices, and chose to talk calmly instead of yelling.
500: How can we help ourselves avoid being trouble starters in the future?
We can help ourselves by thinking before we act and remembering that our choices affect how others feel.