Tact – A Lesson in Tact

Using the scenarios below, have students develop a tactful response for that situation. 

• Split your class into groups and assign each group a scenario. A few examples are listed below; make them age-appropriate for your students or make up your own.
• Give them 5-7 minutes of group discussion to determine how to tactfully handle the situation. They can include what they would say, what they would do, or what they would not do.
• Ask students to present what they would say or do in their scenario.
• To extend the activity, have students create difficult situations requiring a tactful response. Give the scenarios to other groups to develop tactful responses.

Scenario 1
Your grandmother (or other close family member) makes you a sweater. You do not like it and don’t want to wear it.

• Sample tactful response: Thank your grandmother and express your appreciation for her hard work and talent. Express things that you like about the gift.

Scenario 2
A relative makes an insensitive comment about your appearance or lifestyle choices at a family gathering.

• Sample tactful response: Remain composed and calmly address the comment without escalating the situation. Use humor or deflect the conversation to a different topic. If the comment persists or crosses a boundary, address it privately later, expressing how it made you feel and explaining why it was hurtful.

Scenario 2
Someone makes fun of another person, causing embarrassment.

• Sample tactful response: Interject with a light-hearted comment to diffuse tension without directly confronting the offender. Redirect the conversation to a more positive topic or engage the embarrassed guest in a supportive manner. Later, in private, gently communicate to the offender the impact of their joke and encourage empathy towards others.

Scenario 3
Another student dismisses your idea in class.

• Sample tactful response: Acknowledge their perspective and express gratitude for their input. Politely assert the value of your idea and provide reasoning or evidence to support it. Invite further discussion and collaboration to explore different viewpoints. Emphasize the importance of open communication and mutual respect within the team.

Scenario 4
A friend posts a controversial opinion on social media that you strongly disagree with.

Sample tactful response: Avoid engaging in a heated debate publicly. Instead, send that friend a private message expressing your differing viewpoint respectfully and with tact. Seek to understand their perspective and encourage constructive dialogue rather than criticism. Emphasize the importance of maintaining a positive relationship despite differences in opinion.

• Follow-up questions:
  • What is the most difficult part about being tactful?
  • How does tact help or hurt our relationships?