Effective Response — Video Vignette Script

A DAD IS CLEANING THE GARAGE BUT IS NOT IMMEDIATELY VISIBLE AS HIS DAUGHTER RIDES UP ON HER BIKE (COMING FROM SCHOOL OR FROM A FRIEND'S HOUSE). SHE NOISILY LEANS HER BIKE AGAINST THE WALL AND LOOKS GLUM.

DAD:

Hey, how's it going?

BRITTANY (SAD):

Fine...

DAD:

Gee, doesn't sound fine. You seem upset. Is there something you want to talk about?

BRITTANY:

Nothing, I'm just... bummed. I found out that a bunch of my friends are going to this party Saturday night and... and I wasn't even invited.

DAD:

I can understand you being upset. That definitely can hurt someone's feelings.

BRITTANY:

Yeah... It makes me feel invisible or something. Like no one notices me...

DAD:

I get it. Is there something you can do to change the situation, though? Something to help you feel better? Or, something to help you not feel this way if a similar situation happens in the future?...

BRITTANY (THINKING, HER MOOD BECOMING A BIT MORE POSITIVE):

Yeah, I guess I could...

FREEZE THE CHARACTERS AND ADD NARRATION OVER THE SHOT.

NARRATOR (V.O.):

With this approach, the father has avoided setting up a "communication barrier." Instead of dismissing his daughter's problem as unimportant, he's demonstrated understanding and successfully encouraged her to adopt a problem-solving attitude. The father's actions are the main focus of the vignette; however, the story also raises the complex issue of children being excluded by their peers. Please check the "Keeping Youth Healthy and Drug Free" Web site for articles and other resources that address this subject in greater detail.

# # #

Effective Response Video Dial-up Modem DSL, Cable Modem, or T1

Back to the article: Communication Barriers and How To Overcome Them