Passive, aggressive, assertive, or passive aggressive
Body language
What style is most appropriate?
Changing aggressive statements to assertive
100

When a person states their needs and wants clearly, appropriately, and respectfully 

Assertive

100
Andrew is trying to tell his mom about something that happened at school but she is looking down at her phone the entire time and does not make eye contact with him.  How does this make Andrew feel?

Andrew's mother is distracted and not actively listening to what he has to say.  

100

You are working on a group project.  Both you and another group member have ideas that might be valuable to the group.

Assertive

It's most appropriate to speak up and share your ideas in a respectful way

100

You are ALWAYS late and keep me waiting.   It really makes me mad!

Something like:  "I feel frustrated and annoyed when we make plans and you are not ready at the time we agreed on."

200

When someone speaks in a loud & demanding voice, interrupts frequently, and criticizes, blames, or attack others.



Aggressive

200

Emma's mother reminds her to do her chores and she rolls her eyes.  What does this communicate to her mother?

Rolling her eyes shows that she is annoyed

200

A para or recess teacher is giving you a consequence for getting into a fist fight with a classmate.

Passive

It is most appropriate to listen respectfully without interrupting

200

"Mom, I wouldn't be caught dead in that outfit you bought me!"

Something like: "Thank you for thinking of me, but this isn't really my style.  Do you think we could shop together to exchange it?"

300

Your friend is failing Math and there is a very important test coming up.  Your friend asks to cheat off of you and you agree even though you are uncomfortable doing so.  What communication style is this?

Passive

300

Cory comes home from school and goes into her bedroom and slams the door loudly.  How might Cory be feeling?

What is angry?

300

You and a friend are having a disagreement about a game you're playing at recess.

Assertive


It's most appropriate to talk it out respectfully

300

"You always pick the worst movies to watch!"

Something like: "I don't really feel like that kind of movie tonight.  Let's choose a movie we will both enjoy."

400

You find out a friend from school did not invite you to their birthday party so you get in their face at recess, demanding to know why you weren't invited.  You yell that they are no longer your friend.

Aggressive

400

Michael holds the door for his neighbor who is holding heavy packages.  What is Michael communicating?

Michael is being polite, considerate, and respectful.

400

You are in a store or another public place and notice that someone seems to be following you in a creepy way.

Aggressive

It is appropriate to tell them to leave you alone in a strong, forceful way (but not attack them unless they try to hurt your body). Saying it loudly will let others around you know that you might need help. Being passive is dangerous in this situation.

400

To your teacher, "You only gave me a failing grade because you hate me!"

Something like: "Can we talk about my grade?  I want to do better on my next report card.  What do I need to do to raise my grade?"

500

True or false: Being a passive communicator too often can lead to lower confidence and self-esteem.

True

500

Emily is about to audition for the school play.  She taps her foot while she is waiting for her turn and realizes she is sweating.  Emily is feeling_____

What is anxious or nervous?

500

A classmate has said something or done something that makes you think they might not be safe.  

What style should you use to talk to that classmate?
What style should you use to tell an adult?

If you talk to the classmate, you might be passive or assertive depending on how they are acting.  If they are acting in an unsafe way, you might not say anything to them (passive) so you can get out of the situation and tell an adult.  If they seem to be safe, you might be assertive and tell them you care and want them to get some help.

To tell an adult, you should be assertive.

500

"You NEVER let me go to my friend's house!"

Something like: "I haven't seen my friend in a long time and I miss her.  When is a good time for me to visit?"

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