Exploring how tone of voice can affect the meaning of what someone says.
Noticing how two people can have very different communication styles and what that can look like in an interaction.
Thinking about how a person's posture and position can signal whether they want to connect or keep their distance.
Exploring how a miscommunication can happen when one person's cues are not noticed or understood by the other.
Wilderness Explorer Russell knocks on the door of elderly Carl Fredricksen and reads aloud from his handbook asking if Carl needs any help. Carl repeatedly says no and closes the door in Russell's face, but Russell keeps restarting his speech. Carl turns down his hearing aid, rolls his eyes, and slams the door, while Russell stands eagerly at attention, backpack on, smiling up at him. Russell shows Carl his Wilderness Explorer sash, pointing to the one missing badge he needs to earn by assisting an elderly person. Carl eventually tricks Russell into leaving by sending him off to find an imaginary bird called a snipe two blocks away.
• How would you describe the way Russell was talking when he was reading?
• What did you notice about how Carl used his voice to show how he felt about Russell being at his door?
• How do you think Russell felt when Carl closed the door on him?
• Did Carl's voice change when he was talking about finding the bird?
• Has there been a time when you could tell how someone was feeling just by their voice?
The questions within this guide are designed to open dialogue and facilitate discussion around the relevant topics. It is up to the user to adapt as needed to best suit the person they are supporting. A neuroaffirming approach was central to the design of these resources and remains essential to their application. This means recognising and respecting the diverse ways people think, communicate, and experience the world, ensuring all conversations are led with curiosity, respect, and without judgement. These resources are a starting point. Trust your knowledge of the person you are supporting to shape the conversation from there.
For access to playback speed, transcripts or closed captions, please click the video title in the top left of the player to access the Youtube source where these controls are provisioned.
We are always looking to grow and improve this resource and would love to hear from you. Whether you have a suggestion for a clip or topic, a question about your subscription, or feedback to share, please do not hesitate to reach out.
Please also see our knowledge base for further information.
