Random psychology facts
What is another form of communication (but not a face to face conversation) that builds trust with others more than a conversation via text message?
a phone call
That they are annoyed or don't agree with that person.
Their tone of voice
If someone says something in a very monotone or flat voice, what does that usually mean?
Depending on the situation, they are either being serious or firm, or they are bored and uninterested.
What's a good way to start a conversation with someone new?
Ask about their interests or weekend plans or compliment them on something you like.
true or false: Lack of social connections/interactions can lead to lower physical and mental health.
True
If someone keeps checking their phone while you’re talking, what might that mean?
they might be distracted or really not interested in talking right now
Why can it be really hard to understand sarcasm when you're texting or messaging someone?
Because text messages don't tell us the tone of voice someone is using or their body language
If someone says "I'm fine" but their voice is extremely quiet or shaky, what might they be feeling? How could you support them?
They are probably not actually feeling fine and rather they are upset.
We could ask "what can I do to help" or "would you like to be alone or can I sit with you for a while".
true or false: when someone else is sharing a story about themselves, it's good to interrupt and share about a similar thing that happened to you.
While sometimes close friends do this, it's best to keep comments short if someone is still sharing so that they are not frustrated that you interrupted, this might make them feel less heard
Most of our understanding of what someone is saying during a conversation relies on what type of type of communication?
Verbal speech or nonverbal cues (i.e. body language, tone of voice, gestures, etc)
Nonverbal cues! Even if we fully understand what someone is saying with words, we subconsciously are observing and interpreting one's body language, their facial expressions, their tone, etc. and using that information to help us know what someone is really saying
If you come over to a group of friends and stand very close to someone but then they keep slowly taking small steps back, what might that mean?
You are in their personal space and they are feeling uncomfortable, it might be best to stand further away.
If someone says, “Wow, you’re right on time,” when you arrive late, what do they most likely mean?
You are late and the person might be frustrated.
If you are trying to offer a sincere and genuine apology to someone, what tone of voice would be best to use?
A calm and even voice.
How can you show support to a friend that is upset?
Listen and validate their feelings.
ex. "I'm sorry that happened"
"do you want to talk about it"
"that must of been hard"
true or false:
Facial expressions influence emotion—smiling can genuinely boost mood by activating happiness pathways.
true
If your friend crosses their arms and responds in a negative tone of voice, what might they be feeling?
They may be upset about something you said or something that just happened
When is it ok to be sarcastic with someone?
Usually when you are close friends or know a person well or they appear to be in a good mood, if you make a sarcastic joke when someone is upset or looks uncomfortable, you may end up making them feel more uncomfortable by accidentally teasing them
What can you say if someone won't leave you alone and it not being kind to you?
Please leave me alone.
I don't like that, that hurt my feelings.
Our brains are wired to prioritize which of the following: threats or rewards?
threats, which is why criticism can quickly outweigh praise and compliments, and offering positive praise to others throughout the day is important for our mental health
If you are doing a group activity like social skills group and the room gets too loud or busy, what could you do?
Ask a teacher if you can take a break in another room for a few minutes.
Ask to borrow a pair of headphones.
Excuse me, it's just getting a little too loud for me, can we please talk a bit quieter?