The following scenario will enhance your ability to use verbal communication skills to navigate a disagreement with a family member. As you watch the first video, recall what you’ve learned about competent verbal communication, and then complete the Your Turn prompts. Finally, watch the Take Two! video to explore how this scenario could have gone differently.
1. The Problem
Reynaldo’s mom, Bobbie, decides that a great way for their family to reconnect is to take a two-week road trip next summer, driving across the country to see the grandparents. Bobbie sends Reynaldo and his siblings an email, highlighting the sights they’ll see and how much fun it will be. Everyone is excited—except Reynaldo. He had planned on working full-time over the summer to earn money to pay for the next semester’s tuition. He meets with his mom as soon as possible to talk about their plans for the summer.
2. Your Turn
Observations. Reflect on how Reynaldo and Bobbie communicated in this scenario by answering the following questions:
- Which character do you identify with more in this situation? How would you feel if you were in his or her situation?
- Where were the missed opportunities to practice competent communication?
Discussion. In class or with a partner, share your thoughts about the interaction between Reynaldo and Bobbie, and work to answer the following question:
- Can you understand both perspectives?
- What could Reynaldo and Bobbie have done differently?
3. Take Two!
What if things had gone differently? Watch the Take Two! video to see one possible example of how the conversation might have gone if Bobbie and/or Reynaldo had communicated differently. As you watch the video, consider where the dialog reflects communication competence. After watching the video, answer the questions below:
- Did Bobbie and/or Reynaldo take advantage of opportunities that they missed in the first scenario? Which ones?
- Did their different actions result in a more productive encounter? Please explain.