Improve Communication Skills by Using I Statements Discussion

Assignment Goals:

• Improve communication skills by using “I” statements instead of “You” statements.

Instructions:

• STEP 1:
  • Read the following information:
    • “You” messages label, judge, and blame; they demand counterattack.
      • Examples:
        • You make me mad.
        • You must be crazy.
        • You are rude.
    • “I” messages describe yourself and help improve understanding.
      • Examples:
        • I feel upset.
        • I feel angry.
        • I dont understand.
• STEP 2:
  • Change the following statements from a “you” message to an “I” or “we” message:

• • • Your class is boring.
    • That was a stupid joke.
    • You gave me an F.
    • You dont understand.
• STEP 3:
  • For the situation below, state the behavior, the consequences, and your feelings in any order.
  • Example: When you play your stereo this loud after midnight (behavior), I can’t sleep (consequence) and I get really irritable (feelings).
    • Your date, who is supposed to arrive at 6:00, arrives at 7:00. The dinner you have fixed is ruined and you won’t have time to catch that late movie after dinner. What do you say? (state the feeling using “I” statements.