Setting Matters
You are taking a silent test. You are confused and need help from the teacher.
Raise your hand quietly and wait to be called on
The class is silent and everyone is writing. A student suddenly calls out loudly without raising their hand.
This is not appropriate because the setting expects quiet, independent work.
You are confused with what the lesson is about in speech, but Mrs. Tunney is helping another student in your group.
Wait, raise your hand, or say Mrs. Tunney's name once she's finished talking. Don't interrupt or talk over her or your classmate!
A classmate is looking at you, nodding, and pausing while talking.
They are giving you a turn to talk.
During group work, you start talking right away while someone else is still finishing their idea.
Wait until they finish, then respond or say, “Can I add something?”
You are in a small group working on a project. Everyone is talking and sharing ideas, but you want to speak.
Wait for a pause and say, “Can I add something?”
Students are laughing and casually talking during group work. One student raises their hand silently and waits.
This may not be effective because the setting allows for natural conversation.
You’re in a group activity in Ms. Basica’s class and everyone is talking, but you have an idea to share.
Wait for a pause and say, “I have an idea," or "Can I add something?”
You start talking, but your peer is looking down at their paper and not making eye contact.
They are busy and may not be ready to talk.
You want to get your friend’s attention in class, so you lightly tap them multiple times while they’re working.
Say their name once and wait instead of repeated tapping.
You are in the hallway between classes and need to ask a teacher a question.
Walk up appropriately, say their name, and wait for them to respond.
The teacher is speaking to the whole class. A student walks right up and stands very close to the teacher.
This is not appropriate because it interrupts and invades personal space.
In Mr. Block’s class, you really want to answer and blurt it out without raising your hand.
Raise your hand and wait to be called on.
You move closer to a classmate, and they lean back or take a step away.
They want more personal space.
A peer pauses for a second while talking, and you immediately jump in to speak.
Make sure they are actually finished—wait a moment before speaking.
You are in class while the teacher is giving directions. You didn’t understand something.
Wait until the teacher finishes speaking, then raise your hand.
Two students are having a quiet conversation. Another student interrupts loudly to change the topic.
This is not appropriate because it disrupts others’ conversation.
You walk up very close to a classmate in the hallway and tap her multiple times to get her attention.
Say her name once and stand at a respectful distance.
A peer crosses their arms, looks away, and gives short answers while talking to you.
They may be uncomfortable or not interested in continuing the conversation.
You walk up to a group that’s already talking and immediately start sharing your idea without acknowledging them.
Wait, listen first, then join by saying something like, “Can I jump in?”
The cafeteria is loud, and your friend doesn’t hear you the first time.
Say their name again at an appropriate volume -- not yelling or invading their personal space.
A student stands at a respectful distance and says, “Excuse me” before speaking.
This is appropriate because it respects space and gets attention politely.
Dr. Showers is giving directions to the whole group, and you interrupt because you might forget your thought.
Wait until she finishes speaking, then raise your hand.
You say something to a peer, and they look confused and pause before responding.
They may not understand and might need clarification.
You stand near a peer and quietly say their name while they are focused on something, but they don’t respond, so you keep getting closer.
Give them time to respond or try again later—don’t invade personal space.