Communication Clues
This is the name for the way you say something using tone, volume, and facial expression, not just words.
nonverbal communication (tone/body language/paraverbal also acceptable)
A quick word for a strong, uncomfortable feeling of worry or fear that can make your heart beat fast.
anxiety
A quick breathing technique where you breathe in for 4 counts, hold for 4, and breathe out for 4 is called what? (Name or describe it.)
box breathing
If a friend says they are nervous, one thing you can say to be supportive in a kind, brief sentence.
Supportive sentence:
“You’ve got this.”
“I’m here with you.”
“It’s okay to be nervous.”
If you feel anxious about answering a question in a group setting, one safe option is to ask for this small adjustment: (hint: it gives you more time).
ask for think time / more time (wait time, pass and return later acceptable)
When someone looks at you, smiles, and nods while you talk, these are signals that show they are doing this.
active listening (showing listening/engagement acceptable)
Name one common trigger in social situations that might make someone feel anxious (for example: speaking, meeting new people).
Examples:
Speaking in front of people
Meeting new people
Being watched
Performing
Group work
Name two simple grounding techniques you can use if you start to panic in a stressful social situation
Grounding:
5-4-3-2-1 senses
Feel feet on floor
Hold object
Name 3 things you see
Name one way a peer can help include someone who seems shy
Inclusion:
Invite to play
Offer role
Ask preference
Sit with them
While hanging out with friends, someone suggests you all share a funny story in front of the group. Name one way to prepare or support each other so it feels less intimidating.
Preparation:
Practice telling your story with one or two friends before sharing it with the whole group.
Choose a story you feel comfortable with or one that’s easy to remember.
Take deep breaths or pause before starting to calm nerves.
Remind yourself that friends are usually supportive, not judgmental.
Name one 'I' statement you could use to say you feel nervous about speaking in a meeting, at a social event, or in a community group without blaming others."
Examples:
When you notice your palms sweating and your stomach feeling "butterflies," these are examples of what kind of signs: physical, emotional, or behavioral?
physical signs
Describe a short, positive self‑talk phrase you could use immediately before joining a group activity.
Self-talk:
“I can do this.”
“I’ll be okay.”
“Just try.”
“One step at a time.”
How can you ask a friend, coworker, or someone in a community group if they want to practice a short conversation with you without making them feel pressured?
Example:
Suggest a casual setting, like over coffee or during a break, to make it low-pressure.
Ask politely and give them an easy way to say no, e.g., “Would you like to practice a conversation with me sometime? No worries if not.”
Frame it as a shared activity, e.g., “I’m trying to get better at small talk—want to try it together?”
Keep it short and simple rather than giving too many instructions.
Offer flexibility, e.g., “If another time works better, that’s fine too.”
You’re worried about going to a party, meetup, or community event. Give two planning steps that could make attending feel more manageable."
Planning:
Go with friend so you feel supported.
Think of a few conversation topics in advance to make talking easier.
Arrive a little early or late, whichever feels less stressful.
Remind yourself it’s okay to take breaks or step outside if you need a moment.
Describe two ways to show someone you are listening, using body language or short verbal cues.
Listening signals:
Eye contact
Nodding
Facing speaker
“Mm-hmm” / “I see”
Explain the difference between feeling shy and having social anxiety in one or two sentences.
Example explanation:
“Shyness is mild nervousness in new situations. Social anxiety is stronger fear that interferes with activities or causes avoidance.”
What is a helpful step to take after a social situation that felt hard, to build courage for next time?
Helpful step:
Reflect on success
Praise effort
Note what went well
Plan next small step
List two respectful ways to respond if a friend avoids social events because they feel anxious
Respectful responses:
“I understand—it can feel hard.”
“We can go together if you want.”
During a group conversation, someone interrupts you and you freeze. Write a short script (2 sentences) you can use to explain this to your group afterward and ask for support.
Script:
“I got nervous when I was interrupted and lost my words. Could I finish what I was talking about next time?”
You have to give a short presentation. Write a two‑step plan for how to start your speech to help calm your voice and keep your audience's attention
2-step plan:
Take slow breath before speaking
Start with prepared opening (e.g., greeting or hook)
List three personal warning signs (thoughts, feelings, or actions) that tell you your social anxiety is increasing.
Examples:
Avoiding eye contact
Negative thoughts (“They’ll judge me”)
Stomach aches
Wanting to escape
Racing heart
Create a 3‑step coping plan for when you feel anxious at lunch because you don’t know where to sit.
3-step lunch plan:
Choose safe seating option (near familiar peer)
Use coping (breathing/self-talk)
Stay short time → increase gradually
Role-play prompt: what you would say to someone new who looks nervous about joining your group, using warm and inclusive language.
Role-play:
“Hi, I’m glad you’re here. You can join our group if you’d like. We can show you what we’re doing.”
Create a step-by-step plan (4 steps) an adult could use to practice and gradually face a social situation they avoid, such as introducing themselves to a coworker, joining a new club, or speaking up at a community meeting.
Gradual exposure plan:
Watch/observe situation
Practice small version
Try real situation briefly
Repeat with longer time