Introduction

Effective communication is an essential skill for students to develop. It enables them to express their thoughts and feelings, as well as understand others. One crucial aspect of communication is considering the listener’s perspective. When sharing a story or information, it’s vital to provide the listener with enough details to understand the context. This is where the concept of a “background brief” comes into play. A background brief is a concise summary of the essential information needed to comprehend a story or situation. By teaching students to give a background brief, we can help them have more successful and engaging conversations.

No-Prep Activity

This no-prep activity is designed to help students practice giving background briefs when sharing stories or information. To get started, follow these simple steps:

1. Divide the students into pairs.
2. Ask each student to think of a personal experience or story they would like to share with their partner.
3. Before they begin sharing, remind the students to consider their listener’s perspective and provide a background brief, including essential details such as who was involved, when and where the event occurred, and any other relevant information.
4. Allow each student a few minutes to share their story and give a background brief. Encourage the listener to ask questions if they need more information or clarification.
5. After both students have shared their stories, have them switch partners and repeat the process.

This activity will help students practice providing essential information, considering their listener’s perspective, and engaging in meaningful conversations.

Discussion Questions

After completing the no-prep activity, use these discussion questions to stimulate further conversations and reflections:

1. Why is it important to provide a background brief when sharing a story or information with someone?
2. How did giving a background brief make your conversation more engaging and successful?
3. What challenges did you face when trying to provide a background brief? How can you overcome these challenges in future conversations?
4. How can you apply the concept of a background brief in other areas of your life, such as school projects, work, or relationships?
5. Why is considering the listener’s perspective essential for effective communication?

Related Skills

Teaching students to give a background brief is just one aspect of improving their communication skills. Here are some other related skills to consider incorporating into your curriculum:

• Active listening: Encourage students to listen attentively, show empathy, and ask clarifying questions when needed.
• Nonverbal communication: Teach students the importance of body language, facial expressions, and tone of voice in conveying messages.
• Conflict resolution: Help students develop the ability to address disagreements and find mutually beneficial solutions.
• Public speaking: Provide opportunities for students to practice speaking in front of a group, building their confidence and presentation skills.

Next Steps

If you’re interested in exploring more activities and resources to support your students’ communication skills and other social-emotional learning concepts, we invite you to sign up for free samples of skill-building materials at Everyday Speech. By incorporating these resources into your curriculum, you can help students develop essential life skills and thrive in their social, academic, and professional lives.