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

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

What is assertive communication?

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 passive and distracted. She is not actively listening to what he has to say. Andrew might be feeling ignored, unimportant, and sad. 

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!

What is, "I feel frustrated and annoyed when we make plans and you are not ready at the time we agreed on"?

100

Someone cuts in front of you in line at school. 

Show a passive response.

A passive response might be to do and say nothing, to step aside, make excuses for their behavior, or apologize. 


"I'm sorry for being in the way"

200

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



What is aggressive communication?

200

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

What is annoyance or passive aggressive?  

200

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

Assertive

It is most appropriate to listen respectfully without interrupting

200

"Mom, you know I don't like this!  Don't ever buy me this again!"

What is, "Thank you for thinking of me but that isn't something I wanted."

200

A person in your group is making inappropriate jokes that are offensive to you. 

Show an assertive response.

This response should express your feelings/needs/rights etc. and be communicated in a firm and calm way. 

"I feel hurt by those jokes, and others might too. For us to have a good time it's important to be respectful of each other. I really like the jokes you made with the play on words!"

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?

What is passive communication?

300

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

What is angry or aggressive?

300

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

Assertive - It's most appropriate to talk it out respectfully

300

"You always pick the worst movies to watch!"

What is: "Let's choose a movie we would both enjoy watching tonight"

300

Someone uses your favorite pen without asking.

Show an aggressive response. 

An aggressive response would violate safety rules. It is often an impulsive overreaction. You might shout, criticize, or make threats.

400

You find out a friend from school did not invite you to their birthday party, so you spread rumors about her. 

What is passive aggressive communication?

400

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

Michael is being assertive, polite, considerate, and respectful.

400

You are in a school where someone says something mean to you. 

Assertive - It is okay to stand up for yourself in a respectful and appropriate manner. 

400

To your teacher, "You only gave me a failing grade because you don't like my work!"

What is, "Can we talk about my report card grade?  I want to understand why I did so poorly and what I can do to improve my grade."

400

Your sister accidentally spills her drink on your important papers. 

Show an aggressive response.

An aggressive response would violate safety rules. It is often an impulsive overreaction. You might shout, criticize, or make threats. 

"You're so clumsy and now you've ruined everything! I'm going to get you for this!"

500

True or false: Communicating frequently in a passive manner can lower one's confidence and self-esteem.

What is 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 passive, anxious, or nervous?

500

What communication styles have you used, give an example of all 4?

Assertive, Passive, Aggressive, and Passive Aggressive. 

500
"You NEVER let me go to my friend's house!"
What is, "I haven't seen my friend in a long time and I miss her.  Is there a good time for her to come over to our house or for me to go to her house?"
500

Your roommate keeps leaving their dirty dishes on the counters. 

Show a passive-aggressive response.

A passive-aggressive response might involve sarcasm, or sabotage. You might not say anything about the problem directly, but sabotage by putting the messy dishes in their room, or start doing other things to inconvenience them for revenge.  

"Don't worry. I'm not busy or anything. I enjoy cleaning up your mess."