Lesson Plan

Comm Style Overview

Students will learn to recognize four key communication styles—assertive, passive, aggressive, and passive-aggressive—reflect on their own style, and practice adapting to peers for stronger teamwork.

This lesson builds social-emotional awareness by helping students appreciate diverse communication approaches, improving conflict resolution and collaboration in friendships and teams.

Audience

Time

Approach

Materials

Prep

Prepare Materials

5 minutes

Step 1

Introduction

5 minutes

Step 2

Explore Communication Styles

10 minutes

Step 3

Worksheet Reflection

10 minutes

Step 4

Style Swap Dialogue

5 minutes

Slide Deck

What’s Your Communication Style?

Welcome students and set the tone. Explain that today we’ll learn about four common ways people communicate. Encourage them to think of examples from their own experiences.

Assertive Style

Define assertive communication. Emphasize respect—for self and others—and ask for student examples.

Passive Style

Describe passive style and its downsides. Invite a volunteer to role-play a typical passive response.

Aggressive Style

Explain aggressive style. Highlight how forceful language can hurt relationships. Ask students to suggest gentler alternatives.

Passive-Aggressive Style

Clarify passive-aggressive behavior. Discuss why indirect communication can cause confusion.

Communication Styles Spectrum

Wrap up the overview. Show how styles fit on a spectrum and remind students they can adapt as needed.

Lesson Plan

Comm Style Overview

Audience

Time

Approach

Materials

Prep

Prepare Materials

Step 1

Introduction

Step 2

Explore Communication Styles

Step 3

Worksheet Reflection

Step 4

Style Swap Dialogue

Slide Deck

What’s Your Communication Style?

Assertive Style

Passive Style

Aggressive Style

Passive-Aggressive Style

Communication Styles Spectrum

Worksheet

Discussion

What’s Your Communication Style?

Dee