For any student who struggles with communication, this could be the most practical handout from DBT Holistic Skills Workbook for Teens. 

Getting What I Want handout (page 151) is something that can be filled out every time that a student has a request that involves another human being.

Pages 146-7 introduced this subject, while pages 148-9 sampled the story of Kelly, a teen who needs to ask her parents for permission to quit the debate club, and page 150 gave readers an opportunity to identify several things they want, but that they need approval or permission to achieve. Finally, page 151 is the handout that puts it all-together!

Just follow the prompts before any important request is made!

First, students are reminded to check in principles of self-respect and mindful respect for others (which are the 8 PRINCIPLES of respectful communication). Second, students simply jot down their 5 ACTIONS of communication: 

1. Describing the necessary info

2. Expressing how they feel

3. Requesting clearly what they want

4. Reminding others of the benefits

5. Compromise (Being prepared to)