Counselor reflection notes (completed after the lesson) I-Messages When communicating with others, it is important to be honest in what you say. It is also important to say things in a way that get your message across without sounding mean, hurtful, or accusing. I-Messages are one good way to do this. I-Messages show that you: Own your feelings Own your opinions Are honest in your expressions When using I-Messages you speak from your own point of view. Using instead “I” of or takes ownership of the feelings and opinions you are “we,” “you,” “they” trying to express to others. For example, saying, spoiled everything when you “You sounds like someone is accusing or told the class I won the trophy last weekend,” blaming. Using I-Messages instead would sound more like this: you told “When everyone my exciting news, I felt cheated because I wanted to tell them myself.” I-Messages can be used anywhere: at school and at home, with friends and with family.
Counselor reflection notes (completed after the lesson) I-Messages When communicating with others, it is important to be honest in what you say. It is also important to say things in a way that get your message across without sounding mean, hurtful, or accusing. I-Messages are one good way to do this. I-Messages show that you: Own your feelings Own your opinions Are honest in your expressions When using I-Messages you speak from your own point of view. Using “I” instead of “we,” “you,” or “they” takes ownership of the feelings and opinions you are trying to express to others. For example, saying, “You spoiled everything when you told the class I won the trophy last weekend,” sounds like someone is accusing or blaming. Using I-Messages instead would sound more like this: “When you told everyone my exciting news, I felt cheated because I wanted to tell them myself.” I-Messages can be used anywhere: at school and at home, with friends and with family.