Category: Teens-Communication Skills
Speak Clearly and Respectfully
Help teens express needs and opinions without aggression. Workshop exercises: 1) Turn three complaints into respectful requests. 2) Practice ‘I feel…when…and I would like…’ statements. 3) Role-play disagreeing with an adult respectfully. 4) Identify words or tones that escalate conflict.
Respectful communication can still be firm. Do not teach teens that respect means accepting mistreatment.
Hard Conversations
Prepare teens to address uncomfortable topics thoughtfully. Workshop exercises: 1) Choose a low-risk difficult topic. 2) Write the goal of the conversation. 3) Plan the opening sentence. 4) Practice listening, responding, and asking for time if emotions rise.
Encourage teens to choose appropriate timing and safe people. Some situations require adult support rather than direct confrontation.
Asking for Help
Make help-seeking a practical life skill. Workshop exercises: 1) List five adults or services you could approach for different problems. 2) Practice saying ‘I need help with…’ 3) Identify what makes asking difficult. 4) Choose one small situation where you can ask for help this week.
Normalize help-seeking. Make clear that safety concerns should be reported even if someone asked the teen to keep them secret.
Words That Build People