Right Place Right Time Slides
Club Challenge Adult Life Skills Workshop
Social Awareness & Navigation
RIGHT PLACE,
RIGHT TIME
Recognizing what is appropriate and what is not as the situation changes.
Real Adults • Real Life
Interactive 2-Hour Workshop
Group Decision • Open Debate • Practical Boundaries Session Guide
Framework
HOW TO READ ANY SITUATION
Step 1
Before deciding how to act, ask yourself four simple questions:
FIGURE OUT WHAT FITS THE MOMENT
Question 1
WHERE AM I?
Question 2
WHO AM I WITH?
Question 3
WHAT IS HAPPENING?
Question 4
WHAT IS EXPECTED?
People can be themselves while still adjusting their behavior to fit the setting.
Key Principle
NOT "GOOD VS. BAD PEOPLE"
Mindset
NOT ABOUT JUDGING PEOPLE
The question is never:
"Is this person good or bad?"
Everyone makes social mistakes, and everyone has their own personality.
ABOUT BEHAVIOR & CONTEXT
"DOES THIS BEHAVIOR FIT THIS SPECIFIC SITUATION?"
The exact same action can be great in one place and completely out of place in another.
Different situations have different expectations — that's the whole key!
Situation 1
Social Club Discussion
DISCUSS FIRST
The Situation
YOU ARE IN A CASUAL GROUP DISCUSSION.
Someone shares a funny story with the group. What makes sense?
A
Laugh and respond.
B
Shout across the room about something unrelated.
C
Walk away abruptly without saying anything.
WHAT DOES YOUR GROUP CHOOSE? WHY does that choice fit this setting?
Analysis
WHAT'S APPROPRIATE VS. NOT APPROPRIATE
Social Club Discussion
WHAT IS APPROPRIATE:
Option A: Laugh and respond.
Casual group discussions exist for connection and camaraderie. Sharing a laugh acknowledges the speaker and keeps the conversation flowing.
WHAT IS NOT APPROPRIATE:
• Shouting over the group (B): Interrupts the story and makes others feel unheard.
• Walking off silently (C): Leaves people wondering if you are upset or offended.
KEY TAKEAWAY: Group social settings thrive on mutual attention and shared responses.
Situation 2
At the Public Library
DISCUSS FIRST
The Setting Shifts
NOW YOU ARE AT A LIBRARY.
Someone tells you the exact same funny story. What changes?
A
Laugh loudly and announce it to nearby tables.
B
Smile and respond quietly or whisper.
C
Start playing a video on your phone out loud.
WHAT SHOULD CHANGE HERE? Why does a library have different rules?
Analysis
WHAT'S APPROPRIATE VS. NOT APPROPRIATE
Library Setting
WHAT IS APPROPRIATE:
Option B: Keep your voice low or whisper.
You don't have to stop being friendly or suppress a smile — you simply adjust the volume to protect other people's quiet study space.
WHAT IS NOT APPROPRIATE:
• Loud outbursts (A): Breaks the focus of people studying for tests or filling out job applications.
• Phone audio without headphones (C): Directly violates library etiquette.
MAIN IDEA: The exact same joke fits in a club room, but NOT at full volume in a library!
Situation 3
Dining at a Restaurant
DISCUSS FIRST
The Situation
YOUR FOOD ARRIVES AT A RESTAURANT AND IT'S WRONG.
You ordered chicken, but they brought fish. What could you do?
A
Yell at the server and demand a free meal.
B
Politely explain the mix-up and ask for the correct dish.
C
Storm out angrily without paying for your drinks.
WHAT COULD YOU ACTUALLY SAY? How do you get what you need politely?
Analysis
WHAT'S APPROPRIATE VS. NOT APPROPRIATE
Restaurant Etiquette
WHAT IS APPROPRIATE:
Option B: Calm self-advocacy.
Say: "Excuse me, I ordered the grilled chicken, but it looks like fish was brought out. Could you please check with the kitchen?"
WHAT IS NOT APPROPRIATE:
• Yelling or insulting (A): Servers make honest mistakes during rushes. Hostility creates conflict and ruins the meal.
• Storming out (C): Leaves you hungry and can create legal issues if unpaid items were consumed.
KEY TAKEAWAY: Being polite and clear gets food replaced much faster than getting angry.
Situation 4
Healthcare Waiting Room
DISCUSS FIRST
The Situation
YOU ARE AT A DOCTOR'S OFFICE WAITING ROOM.
You've been waiting 25 minutes and feel bored. What makes sense?
A
Strike up loud conversations with everyone in the room.
B
Use headphones, read a magazine, or quietly check your phone.
C
Walk behind the receptionist desk to see what they are doing.
WHAT COULD OTHER PEOPLE BE EXPERIENCING? Why is quiet behavior crucial here?
Analysis
WHAT'S APPROPRIATE VS. NOT APPROPRIATE
Healthcare Settings
WHAT IS APPROPRIATE:
Option B: Low-profile, quiet activities.
Wearing headphones, reading quietly, or bringing a puzzle book respects that people in waiting rooms may be sick, in physical pain, or anxious about test results.
WHAT IS NOT APPROPRIATE:
• Forcing conversation (A): When someone has a migraine or flu, talking feels exhausting.
• Going behind the counter (C): Severe privacy violation. Medical records are strictly confidential by federal law.
KEY TAKEAWAY: Healthcare spaces require deep empathy and personal boundaries.
Situation 5
Workplace Conversations
DISCUSS FIRST
The Situation
YOU ARE AT WORK TALKING WITH A COWORKER.
While they are speaking to you, your cell phone buzzes in your pocket. What could you do?
A
Pull out your phone and start scrolling social media.
B
Say "Excuse me one second," glance to check for emergencies, then put it away.
C
Answer the call on speakerphone while the coworker stands there.
WHAT DOES LOOKING AT YOUR PHONE SIGNAL? How do you show professional respect?
Analysis
WHAT'S APPROPRIATE VS. NOT APPROPRIATE
Workplace Phone Etiquette
WHAT IS APPROPRIATE:
Option B: Acknowledge, check briefly, refocus.
Saying "Pardon me just a moment to make sure my family isn't calling with an emergency" is mature and polite. If it's not urgent, put it away immediately.
WHAT IS NOT APPROPRIATE:
• Scrolling or texting mid-conversation (A): Signals to your coworker that their time and words do not matter.
• Taking personal calls in front of them (C): Unprofessional and disruptive in a work area.
KEY TAKEAWAY: Eye contact and presence build your professional reputation.
Situation 6
Work Instructions
DISCUSS FIRST
The Situation
YOUR SUPERVISOR IS GIVING SHIFT INSTRUCTIONS.
They call everyone together to explain today's tasks. What makes sense?
A
Listen carefully, keep your phone put away, and wait until the end to ask questions.
B
Whisper and joke around with the person standing next to you.
C
Interrupt every sentence with your own personal stories.
WHAT IS DIFFERENT FROM HANGING OUT WITH FRIENDS? Why are workplace expectations distinct?
Analysis
WHAT'S APPROPRIATE VS. NOT APPROPRIATE
Supervisor Interactions
WHAT IS APPROPRIATE:
Option A: Focused attention and clear Q&A.
At work, safety and task accuracy come first. Listening through to the end ensures you don't miss safety protocols or deadlines.
WHAT IS NOT APPROPRIATE:
• Side chatter (B): Distracts other workers who are trying to understand their responsibilities.
• Frequent interrupting (C): Derails the meeting and wastes company time.
KEY TAKEAWAY: Being a great team member means knowing when to speak and when to listen.
Situation 7
Coworker Mistakes
DISCUSS FIRST
The Situation
YOUR COWORKER MAKES A MISTAKE ON THE JOB.
You notice the mistake right away. What makes sense?
A
Point and laugh so everyone on the team sees it.
B
Help them quietly if appropriate, or tell supervisor if it involves safety.
C
Post about it on social media after your shift.
DOES IT DEPEND ON THE MISTAKE? How would YOU want someone to react to your error?
Analysis
WHAT'S APPROPRIATE VS. NOT APPROPRIATE
Workplace Teamwork
WHAT IS APPROPRIATE:
Option B: Quiet support & safety reports.
For minor slips: whisper "Hey, I noticed this box got mislabeled, want a hand fixing it?" For dangerous hazards: inform your supervisor calmly without drama.
WHAT IS NOT APPROPRIATE:
• Humiliation or mockery (A): Destroys team trust and makes others hide future mistakes.
• Posting online (C): Can lead to immediate termination for violating employee conduct policies.
KEY TAKEAWAY: Protect your coworkers' dignity. Mistakes are part of being human.
Situation 8
Customer Service
DISCUSS FIRST
The Situation
A STORE CLERK DOESN'T UNDERSTAND WHAT YOU ARE ASKING.
You need an item, but they look confused. What makes sense?
A
Repeat the exact same words louder and louder.
B
Explain it a different way, show a picture, or ask another clerk.
C
Insult their intelligence and demand to see the owner.
WHAT COULD YOU ACTUALLY SAY? Why does getting louder rarely help?
Analysis
WHAT'S APPROPRIATE VS. NOT APPROPRIATE
Store Communication
WHAT IS APPROPRIATE:
Option B: Rephrase and use visual tools.
Say: "Let me describe what it does..." or pull up a quick image on your smartphone. It gives them concrete details to help you locate what you need.
WHAT IS NOT APPROPRIATE:
• Getting louder (A): Volume does not equal clarity. It creates public tension and makes people defensive.
• Insults (C): Verbal abuse can result in being asked to leave the store.
KEY TAKEAWAY: Retail workers are people too — teamwork gets the best service.
Situation 9
Community Encounters
DISCUSS FIRST
The Situation
YOU SEE SOMEONE YOU KNOW IN A GROCERY STORE.
You feel excited to run into them. What makes sense?
A
Smile, wave, and say hello.
B
Run up and hug them tight without asking.
C
Follow them down every aisle for the next 30 minutes.
DOES EVERYONE ENJOY HUGS? How do you show warmth while giving people space?
Analysis
WHAT'S APPROPRIATE VS. NOT APPROPRIATE
Public Greetings
WHAT IS APPROPRIATE:
Option A: Wave, smile, and say hi.
Say: "Hey Alex! Great to run into you!" This is friendly, clear, and lets the other person decide if they have time for a 2-minute chat or need to finish shopping.
WHAT IS NOT APPROPRIATE:
• Uninvited physical contact (B): Many people have personal boundaries or sensory sensitivities around touch.
• Following them around (C): Can feel overwhelming or intrusive when they have errands to run.
KEY TAKEAWAY: A friendly wave is always safe, warm, and welcome.
Situation 10
Party Invitations
DISCUSS FIRST
The Situation
YOU ARE AT A PARTY WITH MUSIC AND DANCING.
Someone walks up and invites you to dance. What makes sense?
A
Dance and have fun if you want to.
B
Politely say "No thanks, I prefer watching" if you don't feel like dancing.
C
Grab another person's arm and force them onto the floor.
CAN MORE THAN ONE ANSWER BE APPROPRIATE? What does personal autonomy mean?
Analysis
WHAT'S APPROPRIATE VS. NOT APPROPRIATE
Party Dynamics
WHAT IS APPROPRIATE:
BOTH A AND B ARE 100% APPROPRIATE!
Being social does NOT mean saying yes to everything. You have complete control over your own body. If you want to dance, dance! If you don't, a polite "No thank you" is completely fine.
WHAT IS NEVER APPROPRIATE:
• Forcing or dragging someone (C): Never grab someone or push them into activities they declined. Peer pressure ruins social events.
KEY TAKEAWAY: You have the right to say no, and others have that same right.
Situation 11
Personal Space
DISCUSS FIRST
How close is appropriate in each setting?
Close Friend
What's appropriate?
Coworker
What's appropriate?
Someone You Just Met
What's appropriate?
Standing in Line
What's appropriate?
Wheelchair User
What's appropriate?
How does personal space change with each situation?
WHAT DOES YOUR GROUP THINK?
Analysis
APPROPRIATE PHYSICAL DISTANCES
Personal Space Guide
Close Friend
1.5 - 2 Feet
Comfortable arm's length.
Coworker
3 - 4 Feet
Professional conversation space.
Just Met
4+ Feet
Respectful social buffer.
In Line
3 - 5 Feet
Leave room for bags/carts.
Wheelchair
Eye Level
Never lean on chairs or equipment!
GOLDEN RULE: If someone steps back, do NOT step forward! Respect their physical boundary.
Situation 12
Voice Volume
DISCUSS FIRST
BEHAVIOR UNDER REVIEW
TALKING LOUDLY
WHERE IS TALKING LOUDLY APPROPRIATE?
What places are designed for high energy and loud voices?
WHERE IS TALKING LOUDLY NOT APPROPRIATE?
What places require quiet concentration or low volume?
WHAT DOES YOUR TABLE THINK? GIVE 2 EXAMPLES FOR EACH SIDE!
Analysis
WHAT'S APPROPRIATE VS. NOT APPROPRIATE
Voice Volume Context
APPROPRIATE FOR LOUD VOICES:
- • Sporting events and cheering from bleachers
- • Outdoor festivals, barbecues, and park picnics
- • Music concerts and dance parties
NOT APPROPRIATE FOR LOUD VOICES:
- • Hospital rooms and doctor's exam rooms
- • Movie theaters, classrooms, and libraries
- • Funerals, memorial services, and job interviews
KEY TAKEAWAY: A loud voice is not "bad" — it just belongs in high-energy settings!
Situation 13
Phone Calls & Speakerphone
DISCUSS FIRST
YOUR PHONE RINGS IN PUBLIC.
Where is it appropriate to take the call, and where is it not?
ON PUBLIC TRANSIT
Is speakerphone appropriate?
AT A MOVIE THEATER
What is expected here?
IN A STORE CHECKOUT LINE
Is talking on the phone polite?
How does having a phone call out loud impact strangers around you?
Analysis
WHAT'S APPROPRIATE VS. NOT APPROPRIATE
Public Phone Etiquette
WHAT IS APPROPRIATE:
- • Using headphones or keeping handset to your ear
- • Stepping outside into a lobby or hallway for privacy
- • Putting phone away when reaching the cashier at a checkout
WHAT IS NOT APPROPRIATE:
- • Playing speakerphone or music out loud on buses/trains
- • Glowing screens and whispered calls in movie theaters
- • Ignoring the cashier while talking on the phone
KEY TAKEAWAY: Keep personal conversations private in public shared spaces.
Situation 14
Handling Anger & Frustration
DISCUSS FIRST
SOMEONE ANNOYS, OFFENDS, OR UPSETS YOU.
You feel furious inside. What could you do?
Option A
Take a breath, step away, and cool down before speaking.
Option B
Ask a facilitator, manager, or trusted friend for support.
Option C
Scream, curse, threaten, or insult the person.
Option D
Calmly explain what made you uncomfortable using "I" statements.
WHICH OPTIONS HELP YOU?
WHICH OPTION CAUSES DISASTER?
Analysis
WHAT'S APPROPRIATE VS. NOT APPROPRIATE
Anger Regulation
WHAT IS APPROPRIATE:
OPTIONS A, B, AND D PROTECT YOU!
Stepping away (A) prevents you from saying words you will regret. Bringing in support (B) de-escalates tension. Speaking calmly (D) solves the conflict with dignity.
WHAT IS NOT APPROPRIATE:
• Yelling, cursing, or threats (C): Completely unacceptable everywhere. It can lead to being barred from clubs, fired from jobs, or police involvement.
KEY TAKEAWAY: You have every right to feel angry. You do NOT have the right to be abusive.
Situation 15
Gray Area: Joking at Work
DISCUSS FIRST
You are at work. Your coworker tells a funny story. You laugh and tell one back. Another person joins in. Now everyone is laughing.
Is this automatically inappropriate at work?
YES
NO
IT DEPENDS
What would make it okay?
What could make it a problem?
Analysis
ANSWER: IT DEPENDS ON THE CONTEXT!
Workplace Nuance
WHEN IT IS APPROPRIATE:
- • During break times or shift changeovers
- • When work tasks are still getting completed safely
- • When jokes are clean, kind, and work-appropriate
WHEN IT BECOMES A PROBLEM:
- • Customers are waiting at the counter
- • Deadlines are missed or safety steps are skipped
- • Another coworker is trying to concentrate on calls
KEY TAKEAWAY: Share a quick laugh, then refocus on getting the job done!
Situation 16
HOME VS. OUTSIDE WORLD
DISCUSS FIRST
You are at home with family or roommates.
Is it okay to behave more casually at home? Yes! BUT...
BOUNDARIES
People still have comfort zones.
PRIVACY
Closed doors still require knocking.
RESPECT
Home never means anything goes.
ASK: "What are behaviors okay at home but NOT okay in public or at work?"
Analysis
WHAT'S APPROPRIATE AT HOME VS. WORK
Home Life
OKAY AT HOME:
- • Lounging in casual clothes or pajamas
- • Sharing deep personal emotions openly
- • Taking naps or relaxing in your private space
NOT OKAY EVEN AT HOME:
- • Barging into someone's room without knocking
- • Taking food or belongings without asking
- • Yelling or slamming doors when angry
KEY TAKEAWAY: Respect and privacy matter everywhere — even at home.
Self-Check
THE SITUATION CHECKLIST
Navigation Tool
HOW DO YOU KNOW HOW TO ACT?
Run through this 5-second mental check in any new room:
WHERE AM I?
WHO AM I WITH?
WHAT IS HAPPENING?
WHAT ARE OTHERS DOING?
ARE THERE POSTED RULES?
IS ANYONE DISTURBED?
IS ANYONE UNSAFE?
DO I NEED TO ADJUST?
These questions give you the confidence to feel comfortable in any environment.
Key Takeaway
THE FINAL RULE
Workshop Summary
THERE IS NO "ONE WAY TO ACT" EVERYWHERE.
GOOD SOCIAL SKILLS MEAN:
NOTICE
THINK
ADJUST
RESPECT
BE YOURSELF
RESPECT OTHERS
FINAL QUESTION: "What is one situation where you behave differently because of where you are?"
Complete
YOU'VE GOT IT!
2-Hour Workshop
RIGHT PLACE • RIGHT TIME • RIGHT SITUATION
The goal isn't to change who you are. The goal is to know:
WHEN TO TURN IT UP
WHEN TO TURN IT DOWN
WHEN TO JOIN IN
WHEN TO WAIT
WHEN TO SPEAK
WHEN TO LISTEN
WHEN TO GIVE SPACE
WHEN TO ASK FOR HELP
SOCIAL SKILLS = READING THE SITUATION
Great job today, Club Challenge team!
