Communication advice for teens
In this short instructional video, a trial attorney and communication expert offers three concrete strategies to help teens handle difficult peer interactions. First, when someone says something hurtful, the speaker suggests viewing the remark as a bid for attention and responding with empathetic questions (e.g., “What kind of response are you needing?”) to shift the focus and discourage further insults. Second, to avoid being drawn into gossip, the teen can either redirect the speaker to ask the person directly (“Have you asked them?”) or give a neutral response (“I don’t know”) that keeps them out of the conversation. Third, to resist peer pressure, the teen repeats the phrase “I don’t feel pressure to do it” as a mental cue that reinforces confidence and helps them stand firm. The tone is instructional and supportive, aiming to build assertiveness and communication skills in adolescents.
