Skills Guide
Teaching: Communication Skills
Communication Skills
WhyTry Units:
Why This Skill Matters
Communication skills are essential for expressing needs, resolving conflict, and building healthy relationships. When students struggle to communicate effectively, misunderstandings can quickly escalate into conflict or withdrawal. Strong communication supports resilience by helping students advocate for themselves, ask for help, and navigate challenges collaboratively.
Student Challenges This Skill Helps Address
- Peer conflict
- Difficulty asking for help
- Misunderstandings
How WhyTry Builds This Skill
WhyTry builds communication skills primarily through Peer Influence & Positive Relationships, where students practice respectful expression, listening, and collaboration. Emotional Regulation supports this work by helping students manage emotions before communicating. Facilitators guide students to use communication as a tool for problem-solving and relationship-building rather than conflict.
Support Systems & Relationship Building
(“Plugging In”)
In Support Systems & Relationship Building, communication skills are taught as the foundation for connection, help-seeking, and trust. Facilitators guide students to practice expressing needs, listening, and engaging respectfully. Processing emphasizes that effective communication strengthens relationships and reduces isolation—key protective factors for resilience.
Emotional Regulation
(“Defense Mechanisms”)
Emotional Regulation reinforces communication skills by helping students manage emotions before speaking or responding. Facilitators guide reflection on how emotional control improves clarity and reduces conflict. This processing helps students communicate more effectively under stress.
Peer Influence & Positive Relationships
(“Climbing Out”)
In Peer Influence & Positive Relationships, communication is practiced within social contexts. Facilitators guide students to reflect on tone, body language, and choice of words in peer situations. Processing supports healthier interactions and stronger relationships.