Self-Advocacy for Girls: Speak Up Without Shouting (Ages 13-15)
A one-time class that helps girls understand how to identify what they need and speak up without confrontation.
Heather Huhman, BA in Communication
Average rating:
4.6
Number of reviews:(11)
What's included
1 live meeting
40 mins in-class hoursClass Experience
Do you believe your thoughts or opinions don't matter? Do you have questions or concerns but are afraid to speak up or don't know how? This communication class for girls is all about self-advocacy -- speaking up for what you need -- without being confrontational. The goal is to empower girls to turn into confident young women who aren't afraid to communicate what they need -- an incredibly important life skill. After introductions, I will explain why confrontation leads the other person to become defensive -- and thus more likely to say no. We will define self-advocacy and confrontation, differentiating the two. I will give fictional examples of conversations that were supposed to be productive discussions about a specific need but turned into confrontations. We will discuss in detail my 5-step process for self-advocacy and why it's an effective method for communicating what you need. Examples will be provided for each step, and discussion will be encouraged. The 5 steps include: 1) Set a specific goal. 2) Research and gather information. 3) Break down the goal into multiple, achievable steps. 4) Have a conversation that invites discussion rather than confrontation. 5) Reach a resolution or compromise. We will wrap up by revisiting the fictional situations from the beginning of the class and applying the 5-step process. This review will ensure that students grasp the concept of this important life skill. In short, through engaging slides and back-and-forth discussion, students will learn: * Why confrontational communication most often leads to a "no" * The difference between self-advocacy and confrontation * How to master the 5-step process for effectively communicating what you need * The end result of fictional situations -- once with confrontation and once by using the 5-step process Please note that this is a communication class for girls. They will learn about effective communication through fictional examples. It is not meant to diagnose or treat any issues that would require a licensed therapist. I teach from the perspective of a coach and mentor. No background knowledge about communication styles or outside resources are required for this class. It's important to me to teach to the student -- not the classroom -- even when the class is full. Students will receive a handout after the class ends so they can be engaged in the moment rather than take notes.
Learning Goals
Students will learn:
* Why confrontational communication most often leads to a "no"
* The difference between self-advocacy and confrontation
* How to master the 5-step process for effectively communicating what you need
* The end result of fictional situations -- once with confrontation and once by using the 5-step process
Other Details
Parental Guidance
Please note that this is a communication class for girls. They will learn about effective communication through fictional examples. It is not meant to diagnose or treat any issues that would require a licensed therapist. I teach from the perspective of a coach and mentor.
External Resources
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.
Joined January, 2021
4.6
11reviews
Teacher expertise and credentials
I received my B.A. in Communication with a minor in business from the University of Missouri. I have master's certificates in content marketing, social media marketing, internet marketing, and email marketing.
I spent 17 years in public relations, marketing, and communications -- the last 10 of which were running my own agency. During that time, I mainly trained clients how to speak effectively with members of the media (reporters, journalists, bloggers, etc.).
I have run communications-related internship programs for high school and college students since 2005. This makes me extremely adept at teaching, guiding, and mentoring the next generation of communicators. I was also the chaperone for the International Science and Engineering Fair for several years and put in charge of fine-tuning the high schooler's verbal presentations.
In 2015, I started a podcast dedicated to empowering women to be their own self-advocates. While my podcast started as a hobby, it's now become a worldwide phenomenon with more than 2 million downloads across 150 countries around the world.
In 2018, I closed my public relations agency and became a coach for women who have difficulty communicating with their medical providers. I help them advocate for themselves by following my 5-step process for effective communication. I am also in the process of writing a book about a similar topic for a large, traditional publisher.
Please note that this is a communication class for girls, which is my background. They will learn about effective communication through fictional examples. It is not meant to diagnose or treat any issues that would require a licensed therapist. I teach from the perspective of a coach and mentor. Reviews
Live One-Time Class
$13
per classMeets once
40 min
Completed by 1 learner
Live video meetings
Ages: 13-15
2-6 learners per class
