Exercise - Using Supportive Language

Think of a person whose behavior is creating a problem for you.

Following the formats discussed in Section 1.C. Language, create a defensive message you could say to this person about the situation.

Then create a supportive message about the same situation.

Be sure to use each element following the explanation in the chart in the Section I.C. Label the elements you are demonstrating by putting the label in parenthesis just like the samples - description, effect, reason, and problem solving.

1. Brief description of the situation:

2. Defensive message using and labeling each of the four elements:

3. Supportive message using and labeling each of the four elements.