Reading Social Cues
CYour teacher is looking at the clock and tapping their foot while you’re talking.
➡️ What does this likely mean?
Answer: They want you to finish / time is up
You are stocking shelves and run out of items halfway through.
➡️ What should you do next?
Answer: Ask a supervisor or get more items
You don’t understand the directions at work.
➡️ What should you say?
Answer: “Can you please explain that again?”
You and a coworker both reach for the same supply at the same time.
➡️ Act out how you would respond.
Answer: Politely communicate (“You can go first” / take turns)
Someone looks upset and is sitting alone.
➡️ Act out what you would say.
Answer: “Are you okay?” / offer support
A classmate avoids eye contact and gives short answers.
➡️ What might they be feeling?
Answer: Uncomfortable, shy, or not interested
A customer asks for help, but you don’t know the answer.
➡️ What is the best response?
Answer: Politely say you’ll find someone who can help
You need a break because you feel overwhelmed.
➡️ What is an appropriate way to ask?
Answer: “Can I take a short break?”
A customer is upset and speaking loudly.
➡️ Act out how you would respond.
Answer: Stay calm, listen, get help if needed
A friend is talking, but you need to leave.
➡️ Act out how to end the conversation politely.
Answer: Excuse yourself respectfully
Your friend is smiling, laughing, and leaning toward you.
➡️ What does this show?
Answer: They are interested and enjoying the conversation
You are given 3 tasks: clean tables, restock napkins, and take out trash.
➡️ What should you do first?
Answer: Prioritize (often cleaning tables first or ask supervisor)
Someone gives you too many instructions at once.
➡️ What can you say?
Answer: “Can you repeat that one step at a time?”
You are running late to work.
➡️ Act out what you would say or do.
Answer: Call ahead / apologize / explain briefly
Someone interrupts you while you’re speaking.
➡️ Act out your response.
Answer: Politely say “I wasn’t finished”
Someone crosses their arms and sighs loudly.
➡️ What might this mean?
Answer: Frustrated, upset, or annoyed
You spill water while working.
➡️ What are the steps to fix it?
Answer: Clean it up, put a sign if needed, tell supervisor
You made a mistake on a task.
➡️ What is the best response?
Answer: Admit it and ask how to fix it
Your coworker is not doing their part.
➡️ Act out how you handle it.
Answer: Talk respectfully or ask supervisor
You disagree with someone.
➡️ Act out a respectful response.
Answer: “I see your point, but I think…”
A peer rolls their eyes after you speak.
➡️ What does this suggest?
Answer: Annoyance or disagreement
Answer: Annoyance or disagreement
You finish your assigned task early.
➡️ What should you do next?
Answer: Ask for another task / help others
You are assigned a task you’ve never done before.
➡️ What should you do?
Answer: Ask for help or a demonstration.
You are confused about a task.
➡️ Act out asking for help.
Answer: Politely ask for clarification
You want to join a group conversation.
➡️ Act it out.
Answer: Wait for a pause and politely join