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đźš§đź§  Communication Breakdowns
100

You didn’t understand the homework directions.

  • How to meet need: 
  • Why breakdown: 
  • Next step: 
  • How to meet need: Ask the teacher for clarification
  • Why breakdown: Directions were unclear or missed
  • Next step: Ask specific questions or request an example
100

Your boss gives instructions but you only understand part of it.

  • How to meet need: 
  • Why breakdown: 
  • Next step: 
  • How to meet need: Ask for clarification
  • Why breakdown: Too much information at once
  • Next step: Repeat back what you heard and ask questions
100

You don’t understand what the doctor said.

  • How to meet need: 
  • Why breakdown: 
  • Next step: 
  • How to meet need: Ask them to explain again
  • Why breakdown: Complex vocabulary
  • Next step: Ask them to use simpler words
100

You can’t find an item in a store.

  • How to meet need: 
  • Why breakdown: 
  • Next step: 
  • How to meet need: Ask an employee for help
  • Why breakdown: Lack of information/location
  • Next step: Describe the item clearly 
100

Someone says “What?” after you speak.

  • How to meet need: 
  • Why breakdown: 
  • Next step: 
  • How to meet need: Repeat message
  • Why breakdown: They didn’t hear or understand
  • Next step: Speak louder or clearer
200

You need help but feel nervous asking.

  • How to meet need: 
  • Why breakdown: 
  • Next step: 
  • How to meet need: Raise hand or email teacher
  • Why breakdown: Anxiety or hesitation
  • Next step: Use a prepared sentence starter
200

A coworker misunderstands your message.

  • How to meet need: 
  • Why breakdown: 
  • Next step: 
  • How to meet need: Clarify what you meant
  • Why breakdown: Miscommunication
  • Next step: Rephrase clearly
200

You forgot what the doctor told you.

  • How to meet need: 
  • Why breakdown: 
  • Next step: 
  • How to meet need: Ask them to repeat
  • Why breakdown: Too much information
  • Next step: Write it down next time 
200

A cashier doesn’t understand what you’re asking.

  • How to meet need:
  • Why breakdown: 
  • Next step: 
  • How to meet need: Rephrase request
  • Why breakdown: Unclear wording
  • Next step: Use simpler words
200

Someone interrupts you while speaking.


  • How to meet need: Ask to finish your thought
  • Why breakdown: Turn-taking issue
  • Next step: Say “Can I finish?”
300

Group members ignore your ideas.

  • How to meet need: 
  • Why breakdown: 
  • Next step: 
  • How to meet need: Speak up/assert idea
  • Why breakdown: Not being heard/respected
  • Next step: Ask for a turn to speak 
300

Your manager gives vague instructions.

  • How to meet need: 
  • Why breakdown: 
  • Next step: 
  • How to meet need: Ask for details
  • Why breakdown: Lack of clarity
  • Next step: Ask specific follow-up questions
300

You don’t know how to describe your symptoms.

How to meet need: 

  • Why breakdown: 
  • Next step: 
  • How to meet need: Try to explain clearly
  • Why breakdown: Limited vocabulary/uncertainty
  • Next step: Use examples or comparisons
300

You need help but staff seem busy.

How to meet need: 

  • Why breakdown: 
  • Next step: 
  • How to meet need: Politely ask anyway
  • Why breakdown: Assumption they’re unavailable
  • Next step: Wait for a moment and ask clearly
300

Someone gives you a confused look.

  • How to meet need: 
  • Why breakdown: 
  • Next step:
  • How to meet need: Clarify message
  • Why breakdown: Lack of understanding
  • Next step: Ask “Does that make sense?” 
400

Teacher explains too fast during a lesson.

How to meet need: 

  • Why breakdown: 
  • Next step: 
  • How to meet need: Ask to slow down
  • Why breakdown: Pace too fast
  • Next step: Request repetition or notes
400

You misunderstand a task and complete it wrong.

How to meet need: 

  • Why breakdown: 
  • Next step: 
  • How to meet need: Clarify expectations
  • Why breakdown: Misunderstanding instructions
  • Next step: Ask for feedback and redo
400

You feel rushed during an appointment.

How to meet need: 

  • Why breakdown: 
  • Next step: 
  • How to meet need: Speak up about concerns
  • Why breakdown: Time pressure
  • Next step: Prepare questions ahead of time 


400

Someone responds rudely when you ask a question.

How to meet need: 

  • Why breakdown: 
  • Next step: 
  • How to meet need: Stay calm and restate
  • Why breakdown: Tone/misinterpretation
  • Next step: Politely repeat or ask someone else
400

You use slang and the listener looks confused.

  • How to meet need: 
  • Why breakdown: 
  • Next step: 
  • How to meet need: Rephrase in standard language
  • Why breakdown: Unfamiliar vocabulary
  • Next step: Use clearer wording
500

You disagree with a teacher but need to communicate respectfully.

  • How to meet need: 
  • Why breakdown: 
  • Next step: 
  • How to meet need: Express opinion appropriately
  • Why breakdown: Difference in perspective
  • Next step: Use respectful language (“I see it differently…”)
500

A customer becomes frustrated with you.

  • How to meet need: 
  • Why breakdown: 
  • Next step: 
  • How to meet need: Stay calm and listen
  • Why breakdown: Emotional escalation
  • Next step: Acknowledge feelings and offer help
500

You don’t feel comfortable asking personal questions.

  • How to meet need: 
  • Why breakdown: 
  • Next step: 
  • How to meet need: Ask anyway or write it down
  • Why breakdown: Discomfort/embarrassment
  • Next step: Prepare questions in advance
500

You need help but don’t know who to ask.

  • How to meet need: 
  • Why breakdown: 
  • Next step: 
  • How to meet need: Identify appropriate person
  • Why breakdown: Uncertainty
  • Next step: Look for staff/uniform or information desk
500

A conversation becomes awkward after a misunderstanding.

  • How to meet need: 
  • Why breakdown: 
  • Next step: 
  • How to meet need: Repair communication
  • Why breakdown: Misinterpretation
  • Next step: Clarify and move forward