Name that Style!
Scenarios
"I" Statements
Matching
Role Play
100

True or False: communicating frequently in a passive manner can lower one's confidence and self-esteem.

TRUE

100

Simon ran into Kaitlyn by mistake, knocking her down. Kaitlyn used a curse word and shouted, “You’re going to be sorry you ever did that!”. Her fists are clenched, and she ignores Simon’s apology. Which style of communication is Kaitlyn using?

Aggressive Communication.

100

True or False:
"I" statements are a way of taking responsibility for our own feelings while describing a problem.

TRUE

"I" statements help to navigate issues and work toward problem solving. This communication tactic also has conflict de-escalation benefits.  

100

-Interrupting

-Demanding

-Blaming

Which communication style is being described?


Aggressive communication

100

Someone cuts in front of you in line at the store. 

Show a passive response.


A passive response might be to do and say nothing, to step aside, make excuses for their behavior, or apologize. 

"Well she only has a couple of items anyway" 

"that's okay, I'm not in a rush"

"I'm sorry for being in the way"

200

In which style of communication do people avoid expressing their feelings, rights, and/or needs? 

Passive Communication 
200

When George took Andy's seat in class, Andy smiled and said "no problem" even though he was angry. Later, Andy purposely knocked over George's things and told him it was an accident. 

Which style of communication is Andy using?

Passive-Aggressive communication. He made it seem like he was being kind and cooperative, but he actually used disruptive sabotage to "get even".

200

True or False

"I" Statements typically involve feeling words or descriptions of emotions. 

TRUE

"I" statements are often set up in this way:

"I feel" followed by an emotion word (angry, sad, scared, etc.) and an explanation.

Example: "I feel anxious when you raise your voice."

200

-Controlled and Calm

-Honest

-Problem Solving

Which communication style is being described?


Assertive Communication

200

A person in your group is making inappropriate jokes that are offensive to you. 

Show an assertive response.


This response should express your feelings/needs/rights etc. and be communicated in a firm and calm way. 

"I feel hurt by those jokes, and others might too. For us to have a good time it's important to be respectful of each other. I really like the jokes you made with the play on words!"

300

In which style of communication do people express their feelings/opinion/needs in a way that violates the rights of others?

Aggressive Communication 

300

Arianna always backs out of plans last minute. Yesterday she missed a special dinner Jenna prepared for her, once again. Jenna said "I feel frustrated when we make plans and you don't follow through. If nothing changes, it will impact our relationship. Our friendship will be stronger if we use better communication.

What communication style is Jenna using? 

Assertive Communication. Jenna used an appropriate tone and volume. She expressed her feelings and expectations while being respectful to Arianna.

300

True or False:

This is an "I" statement- "I feel worried when you come home so late."


TRUE

It involves a description of feeling an an explanation of the issue or problem. The speaker is taking responsibility for his/her emotions without using blaming or shaming.

300

-Poor Eye Contact and Slumped Posture

-Soft Spoken or Apologetic

-Avoids Self-Expression

Which communication style is being described? 


Passive Communication

300

Someone uses your favorite cup without asking.

Show an aggressive response. 


An aggressive response would violate safety rules. It is often an impulsive overreaction. You might shout, criticize, or make threats.

"You IDIOT! You know that's my cup. Give it back to me or I'll kick you in the neck!"

400

In which style of communication do people clearly express their feelings/opinion/needs, and advocate for their rights while respecting the rights of others?

Assertive Communication 

400

Tom's wife asks him if he would do the dishes after dinner. Tom rolls his eyes and says "Of course, I'd LOVE to do the dishes, even though I worked all day today. 

What communication style is Tom using?

Passive-Aggressive Communication

400

True or False:

This is an "I" statement- "I feel like you're being kind of stupid."


FALSE

It's a "you" statement in disguise. 

This statement does not describe an emotion. It does not show that the speaker is taking responsibility, and instead is using criticizing. It is not a positive way to start problem solving.

400

-Manipulative

-Subtle Sabotage

-Sarcasm

Which communication style is being described?


Passive Aggressive Communication

400

Your sister accidentally spills her drink on your important papers. 

Show an aggressive response.


An aggressive response would violate safety rules. It is often an impulsive overreaction. You might shout, criticize, or make threats. 

"You're so clumsy and now you've ruined everything! I'm going to get you for this!"

500
In which style of communication do people express their feelings/opinion/needs indirectly? This often shows the person acting out of anger in a subtle way or secretly. Their messages don't usually reflect their actual thoughts. 

Passive-Aggressive Communication 

500

Jayden is bullied at school. He often lets it go and doesn’t say anything- and when he does he is usually the one apologizing. Today he is sent to the principal’s office for screaming at others. What style of communication best represents Jayden?

Passive Communication

500

How can you change this thought into an "I" statement?

"You never call me. You must not care, I guess we won't talk anymore."


"I feel hurt when you go so long without calling. I'm afraid you don't care."

This response is more accurate, and honest. It is less likely to cause damage to relationships and more likely to create space for problem solving.

500

Which communication style is this person most likely using? List three reasons.



Aggressive communication. 

-Lacks personal space

-Pointing finger in a threatening way

-Scowling face

-Furrowed eyebrows

-Tightened mouth 

-Scrunched nose

500

Your roommate keeps leaving their dirty dishes on the counters, making it hard for you to cook meals. 

Show a passive-aggressive response.



A passive-aggressive response might involve sarcasm, or sabotage. You might not say anything about the problem directly, but sabotage by putting the messy dishes in their room or start doing other things to inconvenience them for revenge.  

"Don't worry. I'm not busy or anything. I enjoy cleaning up your mess."

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