SARCASM

Tool or Weapon ?

By Terri Stewart

What does it look like?

SARCASMNonverbal Cues

• Lopsided smile or sneer• Exaggerated facial expression or gesture• Wink• Squinting eyes• Eye rolling

SARCASMVerbal Cues

• Tone• Stress on words• May be used as playful teasing.• May be used as taunting/bullying.

Let’s Practice1. That was a great move.

2. I’m so happy for you.

3. Way to go!

4. I’m sorry you won’t be there.

5. You’re so funny.

6. We’ll miss you at the party.

7. Where were you yesterday?

8. I should have studied for the test.

9. You’re such a good friend.

10.Nice coat.

VocabularySarcasm Definition

• Saying the opposite of what you really mean.

• Often used to express a bad mood.

• Often used to express disrespect.

• Sometimes used for humor.

• It is not sincere.

• It is not the literal truth.

• Example: “I’m having a great time.” (The truth is you are bored to death.)

SARCASM• A little sarcasm can

sometimes cause a lot of trouble.

• Make sure your body language matches the message you want to send.

• Watch the tone of your voice. Stress on the wrong words or lack of stress can send the wrong meaning.

Homework

• Identify 3 times that someone used sarcasm when speaking to you. How did you perceive it? (Was it funny, mean, rude, annoying?)

• Identify 3 times that you used sarcasm. Why did you choose to not say what you really meant? (Were you trying to be funny, mean, rude, annoying?

And that’s all for now.

SARCASM• A little sarcasm can

sometimes cause a lot of trouble.

• Make sure your body language matches the message you want to send.

• Watch the tone of your voice. Stress on the wrong words or lack of stress can send the wrong meaning.

SARCASM When should you avoid it?

Sarcasm is saying the opposite of what I really mean. I should avoid sarcasm sometimes like…

1. When I want to show someone respect.

2. Talking to teachers during class.

3. My parents when I want something from them.

4. When I’m meeting someone for the first time.

5. When I want to make a good impression.

SARCASMI need to watch my body language. The

way my body looks gives people the right or the wrong message.

My body language needs to match the message I’m trying to send.

SARCASM More Practice Describe the nonverbal clues for sarcasm

that you see on each person’s face

SARCASMTone of voice is as important as my words.

The tone I use will reflect if I’m truthful or sarcastic.

I need to make the tone of my voice match the message that I want to send.

SARCASM More PracticeSay each phrase 2 ways. First say it sarcastic. Then

say it genuinely.1. That was a great move.2. I’m so happy for you.3. Way to go!4. I’m sorry you won’t be there.5. You’re so funny.6. We’ll miss you at the party.7. Where were you yesterday?8. I should have studied for the test.9. You’re such a good friend.10. Nice coat.

Homework

• Identify 3 times that someone used sarcasm when speaking to you. How did you perceive it? (Was it funny, mean, rude, annoying?)

• Identify 3 times that you used sarcasm. Why did you choose to not say what you really meant? (Were you trying to be funny, mean, rude, annoying?

And that’s all for now.