Create "I feel" statements
Someone called you a disrespectful name: "I feel..."
"I feel hurt when you call me that because it makes me feel disrespected. I would appreciate it if we could communicate more kindly."
Instead of saying “I don’t have time for your ridiculous ideas", you could say: ...
Dismissive & Condescending Responses: Refusing to engage in discussion or belittling opinions.
This type of communication involves body language, facial expressions, and gestures rather than words
non verbal communication
This cartoon featured a bear who lived in Jellystone Park and was always trying to steal picnic baskets.
yogi bear
This 2000 film, directed by Ridley Scott, starred Russell Crowe as a Roman general seeking vengeance and won the Academy Award for Best Picture.
Gladiator
You didn't get enough sleep and people are bothering you: "I feel..."
"I feel frustrated because I didn’t get enough sleep, and I need some space to focus and recharge."
Instead of saying "Sure, I’ll do it—since nobody else here is capable", you could say: ...
Passive-Aggressive Remarks: Disguising hostility in seemingly polite or indirect statements.
In active listening, this technique involves summarizing or repeating back what someone said to show understanding.
paraphrasing
This animated series followed a group of chipmunks, led by Alvin, who often got into trouble despite their caretaker Dave’s warnings.
What is Alvin and the Chipmunks?
This HBO series, which aired from 1999 to 2007, followed mob boss Tony Soprano as he balanced his family life with his criminal empire.
What is The Sopranos?
Your friend made a mess in your room and doesn't clean up after themselves. "I feel..."
"I feel frustrated when my room is left messy because I value having a clean space. I’d appreciate it if we all pitched in to tidy up after ourselves."
Instead of saying “If you don’t do what I say, you’ll regret it", you could say: ...
Threats & Intimidation: Expressing anger in a way that aims to frighten or coerce someone.
This type of communication occurs when a person avoids expressing their thoughts or feelings to prevent conflict
passive communication
This cartoon featured a group of teenagers and their dog solving mysteries in a van called the Mystery Machine
scooby doo
This 2001 animated film from DreamWorks introduced audiences to a grumpy green ogre and his talkative donkey companion
Shrek
Someone didn't call you back, when they promised they would. "I feel..."
"I feel disappointed when I don’t get a call back after it was promised because I was looking forward to our conversation. I’d appreciate better communication in the future."
Instead of saying "Wow, great job—if you were trying to fail spectacularly", you could say: ...
Sarcasm with Malicious Intent: Using sarcasm to mock or belittle rather than to be playful.
This type of feedback involves nonverbal cues like nodding or smiling to show understanding or agreement.
positive reinforcement
This animated series followed a spinach-loving sailor who gained super strength to defeat his rival, Bluto
popeye
This sitcom, which aired from 2005 to 2013, followed the lives of employees at the Dunder Mifflin paper company in Scranton, Pennsylvania.
The office
Someone doesn't take your feelings seriously. "I feel..."
"I feel hurt when my feelings aren't acknowledged because it makes me feel dismissed. I’d appreciate it if you could listen and understand where I’m coming from."
Instead of saying "You’re so incompetent, you’ll never get anything right" you could say: ...
Insults & Name-Calling: Using derogatory language to belittle or attack someone.
This type of communication style is characterized by expressing thoughts and feelings in a direct, respectful way.
assertive communication
This cartoon featured a futuristic family living in Orbit City, complete with flying cars and a robot maid named Rosie
the jetsons
This 2008 superhero film, directed by Christopher Nolan, featured Heath Ledger’s iconic portrayal of the Joker.
The dark knight