Introduction
When engaging in conversations, it is essential for middle school students to understand the importance of considering their listeners and providing enough information to avoid confusion. This skill is known as giving a background brief, which involves sharing essential details such as who, what, when, and where. In this blog post, we will explore a no-prep activity that teaches students the importance of giving a background brief, discuss related skills, and offer next steps for educators to support their students in developing effective communication abilities.
No-Prep Activity: Story Swap
A simple, no-prep activity to help students practice giving a background brief is called Story Swap. In this activity, students pair up and take turns telling each other a story about a recent event in their lives. Before they start, remind them to think about their listener and provide all the necessary details to understand the story. The storyteller should include the following information:
- Who was involved
- What happened
- When it occurred
- Where it took place
After both students have shared their stories, they can discuss what details were included and what might have been left out. This reflection will help them understand the importance of giving a background brief and improve their storytelling skills.
Discussion Questions
- Why is it essential to provide a background brief when telling a story or sharing information?
- How can you tell if your listener is confused or needs more information during a conversation?
- What strategies can you use to make sure you include all the necessary details when telling a story?
- How does giving a background brief contribute to successful conversations and relationships?
- Can you think of a time when you were confused during a conversation because the speaker didn’t provide enough information? How did it make you feel?
Related Skills
In addition to giving a background brief, there are other relevant skills that middle school students should develop to improve their communication abilities. These skills include:
- Active Listening: Focusing on the speaker, understanding their message, and responding thoughtfully.
- Nonverbal Communication: Using body language, facial expressions, and gestures to convey messages and emotions.
- Empathy: Understanding and sharing the feelings of others, which can help to build stronger connections during conversations.
- Asking Questions: Encouraging further discussion by asking open-ended questions and seeking clarification when needed.
Next Steps
Helping middle school students learn the art of giving a background brief is an essential step in fostering effective communication skills and promoting social-emotional learning. To further support your students in developing these crucial abilities, we encourage you to sign up for free sample materials at Everyday Speech. These resources will provide you with engaging and practical tools to teach not only the skill of giving a background brief but also other related skills that contribute to successful conversations and relationships.
