Mindful Communication

Introduction

• Join the class in a circle, either seated on a rug or in chairs.
• Tell them that today they will reflect on how to handle conflict effectively, and that they will be participating in a personal experience panel.
• Explain that in the panel, three to four volunteers will describe a time when they had to speak to a friend or loved one who they were in a disagreement with. Ask them not to use any names in their stories.
• Mention that everyone who is not speaking will be asked to listen to each volunteer on the panel with kind attention.
• Write the following guidelines on the board for the panel:
  • Each person has equal time to speak.
  • No one interrupts, gives advice, or breaks in with a personal story.
  • What is said in the classroom, stays in the classroom.
  • Focus on each speaker with eye contact and listening ears.
• Ask for three to four volunteers to come into the center of the circle and form a smaller circle.
• Tell them that they will have three minutes to respond to each prompt.
• Ask the class to take a few deep breaths into their bellies, and to relax their shoulders and hands.
• Then, have them return to normal breathing and feel their feet in their shoes or on the floor.
• Give the following prompt: "Describe a time you had to speak with someone who you may have been angry or in a disagreement with at some point. What happened? How did you feel? Were things resolved? Why or why not?"
• Remind the listeners of the guidelines on the board, and have each volunteer speak one at a time.
• After all volunteers have spoken, give the next prompt: "How can we use communication as a tool to resolve challenges and disagreements?"
• Again, remind the class of the panel's guidelines, and give each volunteer three minutes to share their ideas.
• Thank the volunteers, and ask them to return to the larger circle.
• Ask the class, "What was it like to hear your classmates' stories? How did their experiences impact them? How can communication help us resolve conflicts?"