Communication Competence

 Perception Checking

First Situation

A friend has not returned my calls even though I have tried reaching him severally to no avail. We are usually close and we were supposed to attend an event together.

Script

"Hi! I'm texting because I have noticed that you haven't been returning my calls" (behavior) "even though we were supposed to attend an event together. I'm not sure if you are mad at me for something I did" (first interpretation) "or if you changed your mind about attending the event." ( second interpretation) "Let me know how you feel." (request for clarification)

Second Situation

I'm on a date with a girl I met online and after ordering drinks for both of us, she jumps up and says she has to leave. She leaves without providing an explanation for her sudden change in attitude.

Script

"You left just when I had ordered drinks for the both of us." (behavior) "It makes me wonder whether it was something I said" (first interpretation) "or whether it was an emergency that demanded your presence."(second interpretation) "What could be the issue?" (request for clarification)

Third Situation

My roommate has not spoken to me the whole day in spite of the fact that he is usually very chatty and open. I tried saying good morning to him but I did not get a response.

Script

"You have not spoken to me the whole day." (behavior) "It makes me wonder whether something could be bothering you" (first interpretation) "or whether

you just don't feel like talking today." (second interpretation) "What could be the issue?" (request for clarification)