Students will discover the power of words.
Students will recognize that people are responsible for what they say.
Students will discover that people have the ability to control what they say and how they say it.
Students will recognize that using words responsibly is part of being an effective communicator.
A clip of the courtroom scene from the movie A Few Good Men, in which Jack Nicholson explodes with the famous line, “You can’t handle the truth!” (Part I)
One copy of the “Tell Me about Yourself ” activity sheet for each student (Part II)
Begin class today by writing “speaker + listener = communication” where everyone can see. Have a volunteer read the equation out loud. Then, write “responsible speaker + critical listener = effective communication” below it. Review key points from the previous lesson about being a critical listener.
Circle the word “speaker” in the first equation as you say, “Today, we are going to focus on this part of the equation and the importance it has in communication.” Leave the equation for use throughout the session.
Purpose: Students recognize the power of words. Students learn that people are responsible for what they say.
1. Students observe a scene from a movie to consider the power of words.
Before class, set up the clip of the famous courtroom confrontation scene from A Few Good Men between Tom Cruise, playing a lawyer sent to investigate the death of a marine, and Jack Nicholson, playing the head of the military base where the marine died.
To give students background, explain that at this point in the film, Cruise suspects that there’s been a cover-up in the death of the marine. He suspects that Nicholson’s character gave an order that resulted in the death. In this climactic scene, Cruise—in his frustration—demands the truth, to which Nicholson replies, “You can’t handle the truth!”
After viewing the clip, discuss the power of words. Ask questions such as the following:
2. Students discuss and identify responsibility.
Circle the words “responsible speaker” in the second equation on the board. Ask, “What do you think it means to be a responsible speaker?” Elicit from students that one meaning is to speak honestly based on one’s own experience.
Ask these questions to prompt a discussion:
Conclude the discussion by saying, “Words are powerful, so be careful and think about the consequences of your words, since you must take responsibility for them. Remember, if the words come out of your mouth, they are yours.”
Purpose: Students learn that people have the ability to control what they say and how they say it.
1. Students analyze two interviews.
Tell students that our words create an impression, so it is important to use words in ways that show respect for ourselves and for the people around us. In a job interview, for example, a prospective employer can learn a lot about you based on what you say and how you say it.
Distribute copies of the “Tell Me about Yourself” activity sheet to each student. Have volunteers act out the roles of the interviewer, candidate 1, and candidate 2, improvising actions as they speak. Ask students to listen carefully to these interviews, thinking about what the candidates say and how they say it.
2. Students distinguish effective speaking from ineffective speaking.
Have students list the strengths and weaknesses of each candidate. Write their responses on the board. (Candidate 1 is fast, strong, and athletic but is boastful and has no related experience. He treats the job lightly and makes promises he may not be able to keep, such as using his bike for deliveries. Candidate 2 is a problem solver—he’s already figured out how to fit the job into his schedule. He also provides examples of comparable work he’s done and skills/knowledge that would make him successful. However, candidate 2 has no direct experience.)
Ask students to tell, by a show of hands, which candidate they would hire for the job. Have a student who supports candidate 2 summarize how this person was able to use words responsibly. (Candidate 2 used words to make a good impression, showing respect for himself and the position. He communicated his interest in and showed that he is qualified for the job.)
Underline the words “responsible speaker” on the board. Ask, “What else does it mean to be a responsible speaker?” Elicit from students that responsible speakers speak not only truthfully, but also respectfully. They use words to make a positive impression. Ask how using words responsibly might benefit candidate 2. (He will probably get the job.)
3. Students recognize the connection between nonverbal communication and effective speaking.
Point out to students that the “Tell Me about Yourself” activity sheet has no stage directions except “lounging across the chair.” Ask them to reread each interview, trying to envision how each candidate might speak or behave as he says the words. Have students provide their own stage directions based on their visualizations. If time permits, allow volunteers to act out the scenes with stage directions.
Purpose: Students learn that using words responsibly is part of being an effective communicator.
1. Students recognize the role that effective communication plays in persuasion.
Remind students that you must choose your words carefully in an interview—not only to make a good impression, but also to persuade someone to hire you. You want to convince a prospective employer that you are the right person for the job.
Explain that one purpose of effective speaking is to persuade—to try to sway someone’s thoughts or feelings. Ask students to think of other times when words are used to persuade. (Students may respond: in advertisements, in sales, in political speeches, in fund-raising efforts.) Then, ask students to think of situations in which they have used words to try to persuade or convince someone of something. (Students may suggest that they have tried to convince a teacher to give them an extension on a paper, tried to convince their parents to allow them to stay out late, tried to convince their employer to give them a raise or a day off.)
Have volunteers act out a few of the situations above, as the class critiques the effectiveness of their words. Ask, “What kind of impression did (student’s name) make? Were their arguments compelling? If not, what might they have said to convince the other person to honor that request?”
2. Students recognize the importance of effective communication in conveying messages clearly.
Point out that clarity is another reason for using words responsibly. When you communicate simply and clearly, you are more likely to get your point across. Ask students to briefly write a set of directions from your classroom to the cafeteria. Have volunteers read their directions. Ask students which set of directions would most effectively get a new student from this classroom to the cafeteria.
3. Students recognize the role that effective communication plays in diplomacy.
Finally, explain that diplomacy is yet another reason to choose words carefully and speak responsibly. Being honest and tactful, rather than blunt, can give people a gentle push in the right direction.
Encourage discussion on how to be diplomatic in the following situations:
Conclude that words are powerful agents of change when they are used responsibly.
End this session by referring to the equation that you wrote on the board to begin class. Ask, “Who do you think has the most power in this equation—the speaker or the listener?” Elicit from students the following key points that were taught in this lesson:
“Words have a magical power. They can bring either the greatest happiness or deepest despair; they can transfer knowledge from teacher to student; words enable the orator to sway his audience and dictate its decisions. Words are capable of arousing the strongest emotions and prompting all men’s actions.” —Sigmund Freud, the founder of psychoanalysis
Ask students if they agree or disagree with Freud. Discuss the quote.
Have each student write a short story in which a character must communicate a difficult truth to someone else. Students should show this character speaking without tact and include the consequences of this blunt conversation.
Have students share their stories. As a class, discuss the importance of being tactful.
Have students write about a time when they said something they didn’t mean to say and wanted to take it back.
Allow students to take back what they wish they had never said.
Have students visit www.youtube.com and search for examples of effective and ineffective communication. Tell students to share the videos they find with a partner and discuss their content.
Have students read the “My Friend Is Mad at Me...” activity sheet.
Have students write a reply to this letter.
Time magazine has a section in each issue titled “Verbatim.” This section contains quotes and their sources. Have students analyze an issue’s quotes and determine precautions that people should take to ensure that they are being responsible with the words they choose to speak. If copies of Time are not readily available, access some of these quotes online.
Discuss why Time might include this section in its magazine.
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