Communication 101
The second type of communication: verbal and [blank]
Nonverbal Communication
ex: Stance, facial expression, eye contact, body language
True/False: There's no nicotine involved with vaping
FALSE. Most e-cigarettes contain nicotine, a highly addictive substance that can permanently affect the developing brain.
True/False: You have to answer someone right away when they ask you to do something.
FALSE. You are allowed to take your time to think things through. You can say, "thanks for asking, I'm going to take some time to think and get back to you." Don't feel pressure, and make sure you are true to you.
Define what a positive affirmation is, in your own words.
Positive phrases or statements that we repeat to ourselves, used to challenge negative or unhelpful thoughts.
Fill in the blank: I'm a little lad who loves _______________.
Berries and Cream
Tell me what it means to ask for something in an assertive (or confident) way? What does that look like?
Standing tall and relaxed. Using eye contact. Using a strong and firm voice. Being respectful.
True/False: Vaping only releases a water vapor.
FALSE. Vaping exposes you to diacetyl, a chemical linked to serious lung disease.
True/False: Peer Pressure is always negative.
FALSE. Peer pressure can sometimes have a positive benefit, for example, a friend encouraging you to get involved with a club after school. Other times, it can encourage us to engage in an unhealthy choice. It's important to recognize the distinction and find ways to respond.
True/False: All of the thoughts and feelings that come up in our brain are true, and we have complete control over them.
FALSE. A lot of your thoughts are not totally real, as they come from within us and our own lived experience. It is when we bring attention to them that they grow stronger.
Fill in the blank: Never gonna give you up, never gonna _____________.
True/False: You can communicate more directly and honestly through text than in person
FALSE. Over text, it's impossible to read facial expression, body language, make eye contact, and give each other full respect.
True/False: Abstinence is the only way to 100% avoid pregnancy and STI's
TRUE. Abstinence ensures you will have no exposure to these. HOWEVER, it's important that to have a comprehensive education that encourages responsible behavior, no matter what you choose!
Imagine that you told a friend a strong no, but they keep pressuring you to participate in something you don't want to do. What do you do?
Give an alternative: Why don't we stay here and play a game?
Have an exit strategy to leave the situation if your friend isn't listening to you--pretend to get a phone call, etc.
Find a trusted adult for support.
You've been studying for a test in History all week. Every morning, when you finish brushing your teeth, you look in the mirror and repeat an affirmation to yourself about doing well on the test. What is it?
EX: I will try my best and succeed in my test. I am smart and capable. I am confident in my ability to do my best on this test.
Vibranium
True/False: It's better to ignore someone if they're trying to talk to you about a problem than engage with them.
FALSE. It's important that we listen to each other, and be open to conversation and finding solutions, even if we feel defensive. If the conversation gets out of hand, you can always set a boundary and end it, or involve an adult.
True/False: If I do engage in some sort of sexual behavior, it's better if I don't tell anyone--I don't want to get into trouble.
FALSE. If you feel uncomfortable telling the adults in your life, reach out to a friend's parent, another trusted adult, or call your doctor or a local Planned Parenthood. It's most important that you are educated and prepared in a judgment free zone.
Your friend asks you to go smoke with them. How do you reply in a way that is assertive and sets your boundaries?
Hey, thank you for the offer. But that makes me feel uncomfortable and I don't want to participate. I'd much rather just hang out here with you. If that's not okay, I might head out."
A teacher comes up to you and your friends and assigns you detention for cheating off each other's homework. You know you didn't and it makes you angry. You want to yell at her, but know it's not only disrespectful but not a function way to communicate. What do you do?
EX: Use the skill STOP.
S- Stop
T- Take a Step Back
O- Observe
P- Proceed Mindfully
Where does The Club get dinner from on Wednesday nights?
Shin La
True/False: It's better to use an "I feel" statement in communication than focus on the other person.
TRUE. Without "I feel" statements, it can feel like you're blaming the other person. "I feel" statements let you communicate your own feelings and opinions without judgment.
Why is sending, or asking someone to send, sexually explicit pictures over the phone or computer risky?
When something is on someone's phone or computer, they could share it with friends, save it onto a different platform--it's out of your hands and you no longer have control over the photo. This can lead to possible criminal prosecution, trouble with school authorities, or severe anxiety, fear and depression.
If you're having a hard time making a decision, it can be helpful to make a list of all your options, compare them, and then choose. Take this example:
You find $1,000 in an envelope on the ground. What do you do? Walk me through your list, compare, and choose.
List: keep it, give it to police, etc.
Compare: feeling guilty, buying something I really want, feeling proud of myself, etc.
Choose: give it to police.
Your parent/guardian says you cannot hang out with a friend this weekend. You are feeling angry/sad/frustrated. How can you self-soothe, or reduce these feelings and calm down?
EX: Listen to your favorite music, watch your favorite show, take a hot bath, eat your favorite food, watch a funny video, take deep breaths, talk out your feelings and focus on the positives.
How do you spell my name?
A Y L A