Dialogue, voice tone, and body language assist in creating a mood or attitude. Learners in a reactive mode rely on input from tone of voice and body language to assess the educator’s message. A calm assurance and a show of disapproval of misbehavior, not the learner, can defuse many otherwise tense situations. Consider
the following dialogue:

Sample:

“I will not tolerate your disrespect. I told you the next time you did that there would be consequences.”

Alternative Dialogue:

“This behavior disappoints me. You can make a better choice.”

“I realize you are unhappy right now. Perhaps you need some time to think of another way to handle your disappointment.”

“We all make mistakes. What can you learn from this one? What can you do to correct it?”