Refusal Skills

Rubric

Describe a situation where you had to refuse to do something.

Refusal Skills

  1. Ask Questions
  2. Name the Trouble
  3. State the Consequences
  4. Suggest an Alternative
  5. "Move It, Sell It, and Leave the Door Open"

 

Refusal Skills

  • Stay Calm
  • Look directly into the eyes of the other person
  • Use "I statements"
  • Say the person’s name
  • Pause – Do not waiver with the decision
  • Repeat the decision - DO NOT TRY TO ARGUE

How Would You Say No?

Directions: Read the following situations. Role-play each of the situations in your group. Choose one of the role-plays to present to the class.

1. Willis stops over at her friend Patti's house Saturday morning to play basketball. Patti says she has to clean up the house from a party her parents had last night before she can play. Willis volunteers to help. Leftover food and half-filled bottles of beer, wine and wine coolers are spread around the living room and kitchen. As Willis and Patti start picking up the living room, Patti starts drinking some of the partially consumed wine coolers. She then offers Willis one that hasn't been opened yet. Patti says, "It's going to be hot on the basketball court - better get some fluids in you." What could Willis say and do?

2. Vanessa and her cousin Melanie are going to the beach with Melanie's older sister Monica and Gary, her boyfriend from college. When Vanessa and Melanie come in from the water, food has been laid out on a picnic table, and there's a six-pack of beer in the cooler. Monica and Gary offer Vanessa and Melanie some beer to go with the food. Melanie looks at Vanessa expectantly. What could Vanessa say and do?

3. Sammy is having a big pool party to celebrate graduation from the eighth grade. At least thirty kids from your school are there. Sammy's parents have gone to a neighbor's house to stay out of the way. A few of the students have brought beer or wine coolers in their gym bags and are passing them around in the area of the yard where the food and chips have been set out. You're hungry and really could use some food. What could you do or say if you were offered alcohol?

Was it difficult to use the steps? Will you be able to use this skill in the future?

 

Last Updated Tuesday, January 22, 2008