One of the key aspects of effective communication is getting someone’s attention before speaking. This is especially important in a school setting, where students need to learn how to appropriately get their teacher’s attention. In this blog post, we will explore the importance of this skill, a no-prep activity for educators, discussion questions, and related skills. We will also provide information on how to access free sample materials to help students improve their communication skills.

Introduction

Before students can effectively communicate with others, they need to know how to get the other person’s attention. Without this skill, their message may be lost or misunderstood, leading to confusion or frustration. Teaching students how to get someone’s attention before speaking is a vital part of Social-Emotional Learning (SEL), as it helps them build positive relationships, develop empathy, and communicate more effectively.

No-Prep Activity

Here’s an easy, no-prep activity that educators can use to help students practice getting someone’s attention before speaking:

1. Divide the class into pairs.
2. One student in each pair will play the role of the speaker, while the other is the listener.
3. The speaker will share a piece of information or ask a question, but first, they must get the listener’s attention using one of the methods discussed (e.g., looking at them, tapping them on the shoulder, or using words).
4. The listener will provide feedback on whether the speaker effectively got their attention before speaking.
5. Students switch roles and repeat the activity.

This activity encourages students to practice getting someone’s attention in a controlled environment, allowing them to become more comfortable with the skill and understand its importance in effective communication.

Discussion Questions

• Why is it important to get someone’s attention before speaking to them?
• What are some ways to get someone’s attention without interrupting or being rude?
• How do you feel when someone speaks to you without getting your attention first? How does it affect your ability to understand their message?
• How can practicing this skill help improve communication and relationships with others?
• Can you think of a situation where you needed to get someone’s attention but didn’t know how? What could you have done differently?

Related Skills

Teaching students how to get someone’s attention before speaking is just one part of a broader set of communication skills. Other related skills that students can benefit from include:

• Active listening: Ensuring that students are fully engaged and understanding the speaker’s message.
• Nonverbal communication: Teaching students to recognize and interpret body language, facial expressions, and tone of voice.
• Confidence in speaking: Encouraging students to speak up and share their thoughts and ideas with others.
• Empathy: Helping students understand and respond to the feelings and perspectives of others.
• Conflict resolution: Teaching students how to navigate disagreements and find solutions that work for everyone involved.

Next Steps

Helping students develop strong communication skills is essential for their success in school and beyond. By incorporating principles of SEL, educators can empower students to become more effective communicators and build stronger relationships with their peers and teachers. To access free sample materials on effective communication skills and other SEL topics, sign up here.