Transcript File

Developing
Communication Styles
&
Refusal Skills
8th Grade Lesson 7D
COMMUNICATION STYLES
AGGRESSIVE
PASSIVE
ASSERTIVE
PASSIVE
Unsure
 Non-confrontational
 Doesn’t matter
 Wants the other person to
be happy
 Doesn’t want to disappoint

ASSERTIVE
Clearly and convincingly
communicates
intentions
 Gives alternatives to the
suggested activity
 Seeks a win/win
scenario

AGGRESSIVE
Forceful and hard-line
 Serious eyes, raised
eyebrows, strong
stance and voice
 Insistent and
uncompromising

Aggressive does not mean violent!
Effective Communication Means
More Than Words Can Say!
Sometimes getting assertive or aggressive can
offend someone. It’s okay to offend someone if
they are trying to push you to get involved with
risky behaviors!
Refusal Skills
Use
communication
and refusal
skills to avoid
negative peer
pressure
Why Is It Hard to Say “No?”

Teens may have a hard time saying “No”
because
 They
 They
 They
 They
 They
want to be cool.
don’t want to lose friends.
think the activity isn’t that big of a deal.
think everyone is doing it.
think they will hurt their friend’s feelings.
Ways to Refuse

Yes-No-Yes
 “Yes”
to the relationship
 “NO” to the behavior
 “Yes” to an alternative

Say “NO!”
 When
Yes-No-Yes doesn’t work
 When the activity is illegal or dangerous
 You MUST be firm in your NO response
Ways to Refuse
If you are being pressured to sneak behind the
bleachers to make out, how could you use the
Yes-No-Yes technique?
Express Yourself: Taking Care of Me
“I took a beer from the fridge, let’s share it!”
 “We’ve been going out for 2 weeks, let’s
have sex.”
 “The sales clerk is not paying attention. Just
steal it!”
 “I have some of my brother’s cigarettes. Let’s
try one, it can’t hurt!”
 “Math class is so boring. Let’s skip!”
