Voice Power Teacher Guide Voice Power Teacher Guide
Complete Facilitation & Resource Guide
Role
Facilitator
Learning Objectives
Differentiate between passive, aggressive, and assertive communication styles.
Construct effective "I-statements" to express needs and boundaries.
Apply assertive techniques to diverse real-world scenarios (work, school, home).
The Toolkit
Voice Power Slides
Answer Key & Rubric
Scenario Cards (8)
Student Worksheet
Pacing Overview
10m Hook & Styles Intro
15m I-Statement Blueprint
25m Scenario Swap Lab
10m Personal Reflection
01
Opening: Communication Archetypes
Teacher Script
"Today, we're building 'Voice Power'—the ability to speak up for yourself without putting others down. Think about a time someone crossed a line. Did you stay quiet? Did you explode? Or did you find a middle ground? Today, we master that middle ground."
Instruction: Use Slides 3-5 to introduce the three styles: Passive (The Doormat), Aggressive (The Bulldozer), and Assertive (The Bridge Builder).
02
The Tool: I-Statements
Teacher Script
"Assertiveness isn't about volume; it's about clarity. We use the I-Statement formula. It stops the other person from getting defensive because you're talking about facts and feelings, not attacking them."
"I feel... [Emotion] when... [Action] because... [Impact]. I would like... [Request]"
Instruction: Students complete Phase 01 and 02 of the Blueprint for Boldness Worksheet . Use the Answer Key for quick checking.
03
The Lab: Practice Lab
Teacher Script
"Now, put your skills into the practice lab. In pairs, role-play the scenario cards. Focus on your I-statements AND your non-verbal cues: eye contact, steady tone, and confident posture."
Facilitation: Circulate and use the Voice Power Rubric to provide real-time feedback on body language and phrasing.
04
Closing: Personal Blueprint
Teacher Script
"Finish Phase 03 of your worksheet. Identify one real situation in your own life where you need to speak up. Write your blueprint for it now. This is where your voice power becomes real."
Reflection: Collect worksheets as an exit ticket. Emphasize that assertiveness is a muscle that grows with practice.
Voice Power Slides Communication Lab
Voice
Power
The Blueprint for Assertive Communication
v1.0
The Pressure Cooker
Think of a time someone crossed a line...
A friend makes a joke at your expense.
A coworker leaves their mess for you.
A parent makes a decision without asking you.
How did you react?
Be honest. No one is watching.
The Communication Styles
Passive
"The Doormat"
Values others' feelings over their own needs. Avoids conflict at all costs.
"Oh, it's fine. Don't worry about it..."
Assertive
"The Bridge-Builder"
Values both parties. Clear, direct, and respectful communication.
"I feel upset when this happens because..."
Aggressive
"The Bulldozer"
Values their own needs over others. Uses blame and intimidation.
"You always mess this up! Get it together!"
The I-Statement Blueprint
Step 1: Emotion
"I feel..."
Happy, frustrated, confused, overwhelmed.
Step 2: Action
"when..."
Describe the specific behavior without blame.
Step 3: Impact
"because..."
How does this action affect you or the situation?
Step 4: Request
"I want..."
What is the solution or the boundary?
"Instead of attacking the person, we attack the problem."
The Lab: Fix This!
Broken
"You're so lazy! You never help with the group project and I'm doing all the work!"
Optimized
"I feel stressed when the work isn't shared because it's a heavy load. I'd like us to split the tasks today."
The Non-Verbal Signature
Eye Contact
Firm but not staring. Shows you are present and serious.
Posture
Stand tall, open shoulders. Avoid slouching (passive) or leaning in (aggressive).
Tone
Steady, calm, and conversational. No shouting or whispering.
Blueprint for Boldness Worksheet Blueprint for Boldness
Assertive Communication Lab Sheet
NAME: ____________________________
DATE: ____________________________
Phase 01
The Communication Spectrum
Label each statement: Passive (P), Aggressive (A), or Assertive (AS).
"Whatever you want to do is fine with me, I don't really care."
"You're always late! You have zero respect for my time."
"I feel frustrated when meetings start late because I have a tight schedule. Can we start on time?"
Phase 02
Constructing Your Blueprint
I FEEL...
WHEN...
BECAUSE...
I WANT...
Scenario 01: A friend borrows your favorite hoodie and returns it with a stain.
I feel...
when...
because...
I want...
Scenario 02: Your boss asks you to stay late for the third time this week when you have plans.
I feel...
when...
because...
I want...
Scenario 03: A classmate keeps interrupting you while you're trying to explain your part of a group presentation.
I feel...
when...
because...
I want...
Phase 03
Your Real-Life Mission
Identify a situation in your life right now where you need to be more assertive. Draft your script below.
The Situation:
My Assertive Script:
Respect yourself. Respect others.
LAB SHEET v2.3
Scenario Swap Cards Scenario 01
Home Life
The Conflict:
Your younger sibling constantly comes into your room without knocking and takes your chargers/headphones without asking.
Role A
The "Borrower" (Sibling) who thinks it's no big deal.
Role B
Voice Power Expert
Scenario 02
Public/Customer
The Conflict:
You're at a restaurant and the server brings you the wrong order. You're allergic to an ingredient in the dish they gave you.
Role A
The Overworked Server who is in a big hurry.
Role B
Voice Power Expert
Scenario 03
Academic
The Conflict:
A group member is insisting on an idea that you know won't work based on the project rubrics, but they are talking over everyone.
Role A
The "Idea Leader" who doesn't like being questioned.
Role B
Voice Power Expert
Scenario 04
Workplace
The Conflict:
A coworker asks you to cover their shift for the fourth time this month, and they never offer to cover yours in return.
Role A
The "Pleader" who always has a 'family emergency'.
Role B
Voice Power Expert
Scenario 05
Social/Peer
The Conflict:
You're hanging out with a close friend you haven't seen in a while, but they are constantly texting other people and ignoring your conversation.
Role A
The "Distracted Friend" who thinks they are multitasking well.
Role B
Voice Power Expert
Scenario 06
Extracurricular
The Conflict:
During practice, your coach yells at you for a mistake in front of the whole team, using language that feels personal rather than helpful.
Role A
The "Intense Coach" who thinks "tough love" is the only way.
Role B
Voice Power Expert
Scenario 07
Public Space
The Conflict:
You are in a designated "Quiet Study" area of the library. Someone sitting next to you takes a long, loud phone call that is making it impossible to focus.
Role A
The "Oblivious Caller" who hasn't noticed the quiet signs.
Role B
Voice Power Expert
Scenario 08
Peer/Social
The Conflict:
Voice Power Answer Key Voice Power Answer Key
Teacher Reference Material
Material
Worksheet & Scenarios
Phase 01: The Spectrum
"Whatever you want to do..."
PASSIVE (P)
"You're always late!..."
AGGRESSIVE (A)
"I feel frustrated when..."
ASSERTIVE (AS)
Phase 02: Exemplars
Scenario 01: Stained Hoodie
Feel: Frustrated / Disappointed
When: My items are returned damaged
Because: I value my belongings
Want: Help with cleaning/replacement
Scenario 02: Staying Late
Feel: Overwhelmed / Pressured
When: Asked to work late 3x in a week
Because: I have personal commitments
Want: To stick to my shift today
Scenario 03: Interruption
Feel: Unheard / Disrespected
When: Interrupted during my part of the presentation
Because: It breaks my focus and makes it hard to explain
Want: To finish my thought before questions
Scenario Card Exemplars (All 8)
01: SIBLING
"I feel frustrated when you come in without knocking because I need privacy. Please knock first."
02: SERVER
"I feel concerned about the wrong order because of an allergy. I'd like the correct dish, please."
03: GROUP WORK
"I feel worried about ignoring the rubric because it affects our grade. I want to check it again."
04: COWORKER
"I feel stressed covering multiple shifts without a trade. I'm not able to cover you today."
05: FRIEND
"I feel ignored when you text while we're talking. Can we put the phones away while we hang out?"
06: COACH
"I feel demotivated when yelled at in front of the team. I'd appreciate talking about this privately."
07: LIBRARY
"I feel distracted by loud calls in the quiet zone. Please take the conversation outside."
08: DAMAGED ITEM
"I feel upset about the damage to my jacket. I'd like you to help me get it cleaned."
Voice Power Rubric Voice Power Rubric
Assertive Communication Assessment Tool
Focus
Skills & Applied
Criteria Developing (1) Proficient (2) Mastery (3) I-Statement Formula Missing 2+ formula components. Uses "You" statements or blame. Includes all 4 components, but they may be slightly vague or inconsistent. Includes all 4 components clearly. Focuses on facts/feelings without blame. Non-Verbal Cues Avoids eye contact; quiet voice; or aggressive stance/shouting. Consistent eye contact and steady volume; posture is neutral and open. Firm eye contact, calm tone, and confident open posture throughout. Respect & Boundaries Hostile tone or total submission. No clear request or boundary made. Respectful tone, but the request or boundary is soft or slightly unclear. Respects all parties. Request is specific, direct, and actionable. Style Identification Misidentifies archetypes on written tasks with 2+ errors. Correctly identifies communication styles with 1 error allowed. Accurately distinguishes between all three communication archetypes.
Facilitator Feedback
Total Points
/ 12
Mastery Guide
10-12: PRO
Ready for real-world application with high skill.
7-9: BUILDER
Solid; focus on non-verbal consistency and confidence.
0-6: APPRENTICE
Review formula mechanics and practice archetypes.
Voice Power Quiz Voice Power Quiz
Assertive Communication Mastery Check
NAME: ____________________________
DATE: ____________________________
Section 01
Style Identification
Read the statements below and circle the correct communication style.
1. "I don't care what we eat. You pick, even if I'm allergic to seafood, it's fine."
Passive
Aggressive
Assertive
2. "You always leave your trash on the table! Why are you so incredibly lazy?"
Passive
Aggressive
Assertive
3. "I feel frustrated when we start late because I have other work. Can we start on time?"
Passive
Aggressive
Assertive
Section 02
The Formula Blueprint
1. I feel...
2. When...
3. Because...
4. I want...
A. The specific request or solution.
B. The emotion you are experiencing.
C. The specific action or behavior.
D. The impact/consequence on you.
Section 03
Applied Voice Power
The Scenario:
A classmate constantly interrupts you while you are trying to share your opinion during a group discussion. It makes you feel like your ideas don't matter.
Construct a complete Assertive I-Statement:
List two non-verbal cues that support your statement:
Mastery Assessment v1.4 Voice Power Curriculum
Voice Power Quiz Answer Key Quiz Answer Key
Voice Power Lesson Assessment
MATERIAL: QUIZ KEY
REF: VOICE POWER v1.1
Section 01
Style Identification
1. "I don't care... You pick..."
Passive
2. "You always leave your trash... lazy!"
Aggressive
3. "I feel frustrated when we start late..."
Assertive
Section 02
The Formula Blueprint
1. I feel... B - Emotion you are experiencing
2. When... C - Specific action or behavior
3. Because... D - Impact/consequence on you
4. I want... A - Specific request or solution
Section 03
Applied Voice Power
Scenario: Interrupted in group discussion
Exemplar I-Statement:
"I feel disrespected when I am interrupted during group talks because it makes me feel like my ideas don't matter . I would like to finish my thought before others jump in. "
Non-Verbal Cue Exemplars (Accept any 2):
Eye Contact: Steady and firm, directed at the classmate.Volume: Clear and projected volume (not whispering or shouting).Posture: Standing or sitting tall with shoulders back.Facial Expression: Neutral but serious/intentional.
Confidential Teacher Resource • Voice Power v1.1
