Level Up Voice Slides
Social Skills Quest
LEVEL UP
YOUR VOICE
Getting what you want in conversation
Press Start to Begin
The Goal
Talking helps us get what we need while staying friends with others.
Use your voice when...
- • You need help with work
- • You want to borrow something
- • You want to say "no"
We will learn:
- • How to describe facts
- • How to express feelings
- • How to ask for what you need
THE DEAR MAN SKILL
A 7-step guide to asking for what you want and getting it!
D Describe
E Express
A Assert
R Reinforce
M Mindful
A Appear
N Negotiate
D
Describe
Just the facts. What is happening?
"You are wearing my favorite shirt."
E
Express
Say how you feel clearly. Use "I" statements.
"I feel upset because I wanted to wear it today."
A
Assert
Ask for what you want or say NO clearly.
"Please take it off and put it in the wash."
R
Reinforce
Why is it good for them to help you?
"If you do, I will let you borrow my video game later."
CHALLENGE: LUNCH SPOT
"You want to sit with your friend at lunch, but there is someone else in your spot."
D
Describe the facts.
E
Express feelings.
A
Assert your need.
CHALLENGE: REMOTE CONTROL
"Someone is watching a show you don't like. You want to watch something else."
R
How can you REINFORCE? (Give them a reason!)
N
How can you NEGOTIATE? (Meet in the middle!)
CHALLENGE: NEED A BREAK
"Class is really hard and you feel very tired. You need a 5-minute break."
D
Describe the class.
E
Express tiredness.
A
Assert the break.
CHALLENGE: SAYING NO
"A friend asks to borrow your phone, but you don't like other people touching it."
Mindful & Confident
How do you say "No" without getting mad?
M
Mindful
Keep asking even if they try to change the subject. Stay focused!
"I still need you to return the shirt."
A
Appear Confident
Use a steady voice. Look them in the eyes. Stand up straight.
N
Negotiate
Give a little to get a little. Meet in the middle.
"Okay, you can return it tomorrow instead of today."
Final Boss
The Scenario:
"Your teacher gave you a lot of homework. You are tired and don't understand how to do it. You want to ask for more time."
D
The Fact.
E
The Feeling.
A
The Need.
QUEST COMPLETE!
You are now a Convo Champion!
What is one thing you will ask for today?
Convo Coach Guide
Convo Coach Guide
Lesson Objectives
- Differentiate between facts (Describe) and feelings (Express).
- Learn to assert needs clearly using the DEAR MAN model.
- Practice confident body language and voice in multiple real-life scenarios.
Materials
- • Level Up Voice Slides
- • Whiteboard/Markers
- • Optional: Fidgets/Props for Roleplay
Key Vocabulary
Fact
Something anyone can see or hear; the truth.
Assert
Asking for what you need clearly and directly.
Reinforce
Giving a "reward" or reason for the other person to help.
Negotiate
Being willing to "give a little to get a little."
Facilitation Notes
1
Modeling Body Language
Exaggerate poor body language (slumping, looking away, whispering) vs. confident body language. Let students "correct" you to make it interactive.
2
Handling Scenario Challenges
For each challenge slide, encourage students to volunteer a "D-E-A" sequence. Provide sentence stems if they struggle: "The fact is...", "I feel...", "Can you please...".
3
The "Final Boss"
The last scenario is the most complex (advocating with an authority figure). Emphasize that being polite but firm is the goal.
Scenario Expansion Guide
The Remote Rumble (Slide 7)
Goal: Practice Reinforcing and Negotiating.
Reinforce Idea:
"If we watch my show now, I'll do your dishes tonight."
Negotiate Idea:
"Can we watch your show for 15 minutes, then switch to mine?"
The Teacher Break (Slide 8)
Goal: Practice Clear Asserting.
"Ms. Smith, we have been working for 40 minutes (D). I am starting to feel really tired (E). Can I please have a 5 minute water break? (A)"
The Borrow Trap (Slide 9)
Goal: Saying "No" with confidence.
Focus on the Mindful step (the Broken Record). If the friend says "Come on, please!", the student should calmly repeat: "No, I don't like other people using my phone."
Extra Scenario Bank
- • The Loud Bus: The person behind you is kicking your seat. Use D-E-A to ask them to stop.
- • The Game Invite: You see kids playing Uno in the library. Use D-E-A to ask to join the next round.
- • The Wrong Order: You ordered a burger but got a salad at the cafeteria. Use D-A to get it fixed.
Hero Quest Planner
My Hero Quest
DEAR MAN Planning Sheet
HERO NAME:
QUEST DATE:
THE MISSION
What is the problem? What is your goal for this talk?
D
Describe (Facts)
What is actually happening? (Facts only!)
E
Express (Feelings)
How do you feel? Use "I feel..." statements.
A
Assert (The Ask)
Ask for exactly what you want.
R
Reinforce (Reward)
Why is it a "win" for them to help you?
M
Mindful
Stay focused on the goal!
A
Appear
Steady voice & eye contact.
N
Negotiate
Meet in the middle.
Mission Status: IN PROGRESS
Power Up Your Voice!
