Sample Social Skills Procedures
How to introduce yourself
- Look at the person.
- Smile.
- Walk to the person
- Use a pleasant tone.
- Say something like, "Good morning I am (your name)."
- Extend your hand.
- Shake their hand and smile.
- Decide if you want to start a conversation. (see having a conversation)
- Say, "It was nice to meet you," when you leave
How to start a conversation
- Think of something to start out the conversation (weather, sports, hobby, ).
- Look at the person.
- Smile.
- Use a pleasant tone.
- Ask a question. (Enjoying the weather? How about those ?)
- Listen. (See listening.) Do not interrupt.
- Respond to their answers with a comment without changing the subject.
- Wait. If no response think about changing the subject.
How to accept a compliment
- Look at the person
- Smile.
- Use a pleasant tone
- Say "Thank you."
- Do not disagree with the compliment.
How to apologize:
- Look at the person
- Use a pleasant tone.
- Say "I am sorry
- State specifically what you feel was wrong.
- State a plan for not letting it happen again.
- Ask the person to accept the apology.
How to volunteer to help
- Look at the person
- Use a pleasant tone.
- Ask if you could help the person.
- State what you would like to do to help or ask if there is something they would like you to help with.
- Might want to give a rationale or benefit.
How to report peer behavior
- Look at the person
- Use a calm tone.
- Ask to speak to the person privately.
- Describe specifically what the person has done.
- Give a rationale, benefit, or reason for reporting.
- Suggest how the person might be helped if you have an idea.
- Thank the adult for listening.
How to resist peer pressure
- Look at the person
- Use a calm tone.
- Thank them for wanting to include you.
- Explain that you do not want to participate.
- Offer an alternative activity if you desire..
- If necessary continue to refuse to participate.
How to get the teacher's attention
- Look at the person
- Raise a hand.
- Wait for the teacher to call on you.
- Use a calm voice.
- Ask your question or say what you want to say.
How to ask for something
- Look at the person
- Use a pleasant voice tone.
- Specifically say what you want.
- Might want to use please.
- Say thank you if the request is granted.
- If the request is not granted keep cool and thank the person for their time.
How to disagree appropriately
- Take a deep breath, let it out and relax.
- Look at the person.
- Use a low soft pleasant voice tone.
- Use an empathy or a concern statement.
- Say specifically what you disagree with.
- Give a rationale or reason why you disagree.
- Thank the person for listening.
How to give negative feedback
- Look at the person
- Use a calm voice tone.
- You might want to give a positive statement or praise.
- Specifically describe the problem.
- Tell a rationale or reason why it's a problem.
- Offer a solution. If you don't have a solution offer a plan on how to find one.
- Thank the person for listening.
What to do when given directions
- Try to understand what the directions are.
- If you do not understand what you are asked to do ask questions.
- Think about what the consequences are for following or not following the directions.
- If you do not think you should follow the directions ask to speak to the person privately and calmly ask for a reason to follow the directions.
- If you still disagree you can decide to follow directions or not to follow directions. If you decide not to tell the person you can not follow the directions and give a reason. Be ready to standby your convictions.
- If you decide to follow directions, then no arguing, whining, or pouting.
- Say "OK." and follow the directions.
What to do when given criticism
- Look at the person
- Say "OK.".
- No arguing.
- Do not verbally disagree with the person at this time.
- If you do not understand ask for clarification in a calm voice.
- Consider waiting until later to decide to disagree.
- If you decide to disagree see How to disagree.
- If you agree with the criticism thank the person for being honest.
How to accept "No" for an answer
- If you do not understand why, take a deep breath and let it out slowly.
- Use a low, soft, pleasant voice and ask calmly for a reason.
- Decide that you do not want to confront the person.
- Look at the person.
- Without arguing, whining, or pouting.
- Say "OK."
- If you disagree or have a complaint, bring it up later.
How to greet a person
- Look at the person
- Smile.
- Use a pleasant voice tone.
- Give a verbal greeting. (Hello, nice day. Wasuup!)