Infer
A worker is looking around, checking their pockets, and retracing their steps.
→ What can you infer is happening?
They likely lost something.
A long line is forming at the checkout.
→ What will likely happen next?
Answer: Customers may get impatient or more staff will help.
A coworker is tapping their foot and looking at the clock.
→ How might they feel?
Impatient, anxious, bored
The manager sees employees moving slowly and says, “Let’s pick up the pace.”
→ What does that mean?
Work faster, move more quickly, be more efficient
You are a cashier and the line is very long.
→ What are you thinking?
“I need to work quickly.”
"Ugh, there are so many people in my line."
Two coworkers stop talking when the supervisor walks up.
→ What can you infer about their conversation?
They may have been talking about something private or inappropriate.
A restaurant is very busy during lunch.
→ What might happen next?
Answer: Orders may take longer
A manager has a serious face and is speaking slowly.
→ What emotion might they be showing?
Concerned, focused, serious
After a long shift, a coworker stretches and says, “Let’s call it a day.”
→ What does that mean?
Stop working, go home, finish for now
You are an employee who doesn’t understand instructions.
→ What are you thinking?
"I should ask for help."
"I don't get it..."
"I have no idea what to do"
A barista remakes a drink after a customer takes a sip and frowns.
→ What can you infer?
The drink was wrong.
A coworker forgets to clock in at work.
→ What might happen next?
Answer: They may not get paid correctly, they may ask a manager to fix their time sheet
A student is slouched with their head on the desk.
→ How might they feel?
Tired, bored, unmotivated
After you finish a task correctly, your boss says, “You really nailed it.”
→ What does that mean?
Did it very well, got it right, completed it successfully
You are late to work.
→ What are you thinking?
“I hope I’m not in trouble.”
"I hope nobody notices."
"I should go in the back door"
A worker is standing alone while everyone else is busy.
→ What can you infer?
Answer: They may not know what to do or need help. Or they may be lazy/slacking off.
A customer looks confused and is scanning the store.
→ What might happen next?
They may ask for help, an employee may notice and ask them if they need anything
A coworker is laughing and relaxed.
→ What emotion are they showing?
Happy, comfortable, amused
A new employee is practicing and says, “I’m starting to get the hang of it.”
→ What does that mean?
Learning the skill, understanding better, improving
You are a teacher and students are not paying attention.
→ What are you thinking?
“I need to get their focus.”
"These kids are annoying me!!!"
"I'm over this day"
A worker rereads the same instructions multiple times.
→ What can you infer?
They're confused, they need help, they're struggling to read it
A coworker calls in sick.
→ What might happen next
Others will have extra work.
A manager is moving quickly and speaking loudly.
→ What emotion might they be showing?
Stressed, urgent, overwhelmed
A worker notices a small issue and says, “Let’s keep an eye on it.”
→ What does that mean?
Watch it carefully, check on it later, monitor the situation
You are a customer and your food is taking a long time.
→ What are you thinking?
"This is ridiculous. I should have gone somewhere different."
"I wonder where my food is?"