Problem Solving
Communication Breakdown
Conversations
100
You're trying to watch a movie but your sibling won't stop bugging you. You've already tried ignoring them but what are two possible solutions you could try next?
Speak up and tell them that you want some space to watch the movie or find a different activity you can both do and watch the movie later
100
You are talking about your favorite computer game but your friend is not saying much, fiddling with their zipper, and is staring at you with this expression. What does this tell you and how can you respond?
Your friend is likely confused and either cannot follow the steps to the game or isn't interested in the topic. You can recognize this and find a different topic or ask if they need clarification.
100
All of Adam's friends have after school jobs. Adam's friends have been teasing him because he gets an allowance from his parents. Adam tells his parents he wants to get a job after school. His parents tell him he is not allowed to have a job because he needs to devote his free time to studying.
How is Adam feeling in this conversation? How will Adam's friends feel?
Adam is likely frustrated and he now has to tell his friends who he will disappoint, but if they are good friends they should understand and find other times to hang.
200
You want to use the computer, but your sibling is using it and doesn't seem to be getting off anytime soon. Come up with two possible solutions to this problem
You could ask them if you can put a time limit on it so that you can have a turn or you could find another activity
200
Your headphones are on and the music is really loud. Your friend is next to you and they are sitting there with a game and attempting to make eye contact with you. What do you think the friend is thinking and how can you respond?
The friend probably wants to play the game with you but feels that you are ignoring them. You could come up with a compromise and listen to music for half the class and then play a game or advocate for yourself to listen to music if that's what you need in the moment
200
Brian gets very nervous interacting with people he doesn't know well. In the cafeteria, he doesn't talk very much. The group he sits with seems nice, but he never knows what to talk about with them. Today Aria is sitting across from Brian at the table. She talks about a movie Brian has never seen. He doesn't know what to say next. Aria is looking at him.
What is Brian thinking and how does he feel? What will Aria think if he continues to sit there?
Brian is feeling stressed and he is likely panicking to find an answer or different topic. Aria may not want to keep talking to Brian if he doesn't say anything because she is uncomfortable.
300
You have to give a presentation to your class tomorrow and you are really nervous about it. How can you solve this problem?
You can rehearse for the presentation so you feel confident in what you will say or you can find something that calms you down
300
You are talking with a friend at lunch and say that you hate tuna fish, but they are eating a tuna sandwich. They turn away from you, their head is down, and they have a frown. What does this tell you and how can you respond?
The friend is feeling hurt by your comment and misunderstood what you meant. You can apologize to them and clarify that you don't like it but its great that they do.
300
Eli and his friends like to skate in the Safeway parking lot. One day the manager comes out to talk to them and tells them they need to go somewhere else. Eli's friend Trevor tells the manager they can skate wherever they want/ Eli doesn't think this is true.
How does Eli feel?
How does the Manager feel?
Eli feels stressed and uncomfortable with how the conversation went and how his friend is acting. The manager is also feeling stressed because its his job to make sure the store is running smoothly.
400
Your teacher is giving directions, but the person next to you is being loud so you can't hear. What is a solution to this problem?
You can raise your hand and ask the teacher to repeat the directions or you could ask the peer to be quiet so you can hear
400
Sam's communication style is that he prefers to use facts and talk about specific topics that may not be similar to all his peers. If he knows this is how he communicates what can he do is social situations to help his friends understand him better?
He can inform his friend or peer about his communication style and if they prefer to switch topics they can let him know
400
Madison and Kayla are best friends. They spend a lot of time together. Both girls really want to go to the homecoming dance. Madison gets asked to the dance by Blake, a guy she likes. No one asks Kayla to the dance. Madison notices that Kayla has been more critical lately. At lunch, Kayla tells Blake that Madison is "obsessed" with him.
How does Madison feel? How does Kayla feel? How does Blake feel?
Kayla is jealous ad hurt that no one asked her. Madison is going to feel uncomfortable and possibly angry with Kayla for making up a a rumor and Blake is uncomfortable because he feels that there is a lot of attention on him