A person can ask about a difficult topic by first showing understanding. The person must also give the other person a choice not to answer. This approach makes the other person feel safe.
By Pawan Nayar · from the LLOS AI Learning record
A person can ask about a difficult topic by first showing understanding.
The person must also give the other person a choice not to answer. This approach makes the other person feel safe.
A person should start by saying the topic might be hard. This shows the person understands the difficulty. Then, the person must clearly state that the other person does not have to answer. This gives the other person control over the conversation. Feeling safe and in control makes the other person more likely to share.
A student wants to ask a teacher about a past war. The student says, 'I know this might be hard to talk about. You do not have to answer. But I was wondering what that time was like for you?' The teacher feels respected and chooses to share a brief story.
Resolved from this lesson's own record — real definitions, not invented for this page.
More from the same record, pulled by shared topic — not written new for this page.
A person should always ask questions directly. This is a simple rule to follow.
A person can share a small detail about their own day. This can be a normal or even a slightly embarrassing story.
A parent can describe what a child is doing. A parent can also guess what a child might be feeling.
An 'I feel' statement changes the focus. It moves from blaming another person to describing one's own emotion.
A person can ask about a difficult topic by first showing understanding. The person must also give the other person a choice not to answer. This approach makes the other person feel safe.