😬 READ THE ROOM
A student crosses their arms, avoids eye contact, and gives short answers.
Question:
How might they be feeling?
Answer:
Your classmate talks about basketball, but you do not like sports.
Question:
What is an appropriate response?
Examples:
You planned to talk about video games, but your partner starts talking about school drama.
Question:
What should you do?
Shift conversation respectfully and respond to their topic.
A student slams their backpack down after a test.
Question:
What can you infer?
They may feel frustrated or upset.
You join a group conversation late.
Question:
What is an appropriate way to enter the conversation?
Answer:
Your friend says, “That’s fine…” in a flat tone while rolling their eyes.
Question:
What does their tone/body language suggest?
They may actually be upset or frustrated.
Someone says:
“I spent all weekend fishing.”
Question:
Ask a relevant follow-up question.
Answer Examples:
Someone greets you with:
“What’s up?”
Question:
Give an appropriate response.
Answer Examples:
Someone keeps checking their phone while talking to you.
Question:
What might this mean?
Answer:
Your friend keeps talking while you are trying to answer.
Question:
What can you say respectfully?
Answer Examples:
A classmate keeps looking at the clock while you are talking.
Question:
What nonverbal cue are they giving?
Answer:
A peer says:
“I’m really into baking shows lately.”
Question:
Give an appropriate response AND follow-up question.
“I’ve seen a few baking videos online. What’s your favorite show?”
Your teacher suddenly asks:
“What did everyone do this weekend?”
Question:
What is a flexible response strategy?
Respond appropriately even if topic was unexpected.
Your friend suddenly becomes quiet after everyone laughs.
Question:
What might they be thinking or feeling?
Answer:
You notice someone looks nervous during a presentation.
Question:
What nonverbal clues helped you infer that?
Answer:
During a conversation, someone slowly backs away while smiling awkwardly.
Question:
What should you infer?
They may feel uncomfortable or want space.
Your friend is talking about anime you’ve never watched.
Question:
How can you stay engaged in the conversation?
Answer:
You accidentally interrupt someone.
Question:
How can you repair the conversation?
Answer:
A classmate says:
“I guess I’ll just do it myself.”
Question:
What feeling might they have?
Answer:
A peer says:
“That presentation was…interesting.”
Question:
Why could this statement be confusing?
Tone changes meaning; it may not actually be positive.
A friend says “cool” but sighs heavily and looks down.
Question:
What are TWO clues that tell you how they really feel?
Answer:
Possible feeling:
Sad/disappointed
A classmate keeps talking about something you dislike.
Question:
Name TWO socially appropriate ways to stay flexible.
Answer:
A peer makes a joke you do not understand.
Question:
What is the BEST flexible response?
Answer:
Someone says:
“Whatever. It doesn’t matter.”
But they look upset.
Question:
What should you do next?
Answer:
You are partnered with someone you barely know for a science project. They only answer with one-word responses and avoid eye contact.
Question:
Nonverbal cues:
Possible feelings:
Strategies: