Question

WORKPLACE COMMUNICATION
Workplace Topics
Imagine that a coworker approaches you and tries to start a conversation with the statements shown. Decide how to respond to each of the inappropriate topics.
Inappropriate Workplace Topics
A coworker approaches you and says…
Your response is…
I don’t know what church you go to, but would you like to go to mine?


Who are you voting for in the next election?


I’m not going to be in this job for long. I want to be a manager by the end of the year.


I feel sick. I’ve been having indigestion all day.


Let me tell you about my argument with my cousin and you can tell me who’s right.


I can’t believe I spent my entire paycheck going out last weekend. I’m in trouble now.


Did you hear that Raj broke up with Jael? I hear there was cheating involved.


I can’t believe what Tonya wore to work today. Can you?





Scenario Recap
Use the PDF named: 5.3 Student Activity (Scenarios)

Option 1 (With 1 Partner):
Your partner: name
Scenario #___
What was your takeaway from the scenario roleplay?
answer


Option 2 (Independently):
Choose a scenario and write the conversation acting it out.
Scenario #___

Employee:
Customer:
Employee:
Customer:
Employee:
Customer:
Employee:
Customer:

How Do You Say It? Scenario Cards
Cut out the cards and distribute. Use the prompts to role-play a workplace conversation. Assume the
role of an employee and a customer at least once.
Scenario 1
Restaurant Employee 1 Customer 1
Answer the phone and tell Customer 1 that the
restaurant is fully booked for all reservation
times requested. You cannot take a reservation
and cannot make any exceptions. Calm the
customer down.

Call Restaurant Employee 1 and say you need
a reservation for a party of 8 for a birthday
celebration. Respond to what Restaurant
Employee 1 says.

Scenario 2
Restaurant Employee 2 Customer 2
Respond to Customer 2’s complaint, assuring Complain to Restaurant Employee 2 that you
them you will take care of it. got the wrong order. Be specific about what’s
wrong, and tell the server that you are allergic
to what you were served and that you will sue
the restaurant if you get sick.

Scenario 3
Restaurant Employee 3 Customer 3
Answer the phone and tell Customer 3 that you Call Restaurant Employee 3 and say you need a
need to put them on hold. reservation for an hour from now. Resist being

put on hold.

Scenario 4
Restaurant Employee 4 Customer 4
Respond to Customer 4’s complaint by saying Complain to Restaurant Employee 4 that you
the restaurant is full and the table cannot be don’t like your table, and insist on being moved.
moved. Find a way to calm the customer down.

Answer 1

Here are short, professional responses you can use if a coworker starts one of these inappropriate conversations. Each has a brief example phrase you can say and a one-line reason why it’s best to keep it out of the workplace.

1) “I don’t know what church you go to, but would you like to go to mine?”
- Response: “I appreciate the invite, but I prefer to keep religion separate from work. Thanks for understanding.”
- Why: Religion is a personal topic and can make people uncomfortable; keep workplace interactions neutral.

2) “Who are you voting for in the next election?”
- Response: “I don’t discuss my political views at work. Let’s keep things professional.”
- Why: Politics is polarizing; avoid debates that could harm working relationships.

3) “I’m not going to be in this job for long. I want to be a manager by the end of the year.”
- Response: “That’s an ambitious goal—talk to our manager or HR about steps you can take. I can’t speak for promotions here.”
- Why: Career plans and promises about leaving can create rumors; encourage appropriate channels.

4) “I feel sick. I’ve been having indigestion all day.”
- Response: “I’m sorry you’re not feeling well. If you need to go home or see the nurse, let our supervisor know.”
- Why: Brief empathy is fine, but health details should be handled privately and via proper reporting.

5) “Let me tell you about my argument with my cousin and you can tell me who’s right.”
- Response: “I’m sorry that happened. I’m not able to help mediate personal disputes at work—maybe talk it over with a friend outside of the office.”
- Why: Personal relationship problems are distracting; set a boundary while being polite.

6) “I can’t believe I spent my entire paycheck going out last weekend. I’m in trouble now.”
- Response: “I’m sorry to hear that. I’m not comfortable getting into personal finances at work, but if you want help finding budgeting resources, HR may have options.”
- Why: Personal financial confessions can be risky; offer a constructive referral if appropriate.

7) “Did you hear that Raj broke up with Jael? I hear there was cheating involved.”
- Response: “I prefer not to discuss rumors about coworkers. It’s best to let them handle their personal matters.”
- Why: Gossip damages morale and can create a hostile environment; refrain from spreading it.

8) “I can’t believe what Tonya wore to work today. Can you?”
- Response: “I don’t think commenting on a coworker’s appearance is appropriate. Let’s focus on work.”
- Why: Criticizing appearance invites disrespect and potential harassment issues.

Option 2 — Scenario roleplay (independently)
Scenario #1

Employee: “Good evening, Sunshine Bistro, this is Maria. How may I help you?”
Customer: “Hi Maria — I need a reservation for eight people this Saturday at 7:00.”
Employee: “I’m sorry, but we’re fully booked for all reservation times on Saturday and can’t take any more reservations.”
Customer: “Is there any way you can make an exception? It’s a birthday celebration.”
Employee: “I understand it’s important. We don’t have any available tables, and I can’t make exceptions, but I can add you to our waitlist and call if something opens up.”
Customer: “How long is your waitlist usually?”
Employee: “It varies. If you’d like, I can put your name and phone number on the list and also suggest alternative times or nearby restaurants that may have availability.”
Customer: “Okay, please add us to the waitlist and call if anything opens.”
Employee: “Absolutely. May I have your name and the best phone number to reach you? I’ll also note it’s a birthday party so we can try to accommodate if there’s a cancellation. Thank you for your patience.”

Quick takeaways (what this practice reinforces)
- Be polite but firm when you can’t meet a request.
- Offer alternatives (waitlist, other times, recommendations).
- Keep the tone calm and helpful to defuse disappointment.

If you want, I can also write roleplays for the other restaurant scenarios (2–4) or adapt the coworker responses to sound more casual or more formal depending on your workplace. Which would you like next?