(Objective 1: Understand the difference between business and personal relationships.)

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Suggested Introduction: Think about people with whom you have a business relationship (phone company, school, bank, etc.). How do you talk with them? (Acknowledge answers) You probably talk more directly, courteously, and with specifics. You do this by: 1) planning ahead, 2) determining the topic, 3) if necessary—making notes, 4) having direct conversation in a neutral location, and 5) being specific. Business relationships focus on the facts, not the strong emotions that are present in personal relationships.
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Ask participants to briefly describe an issue that they have recently experienced with a landlord, neighbor or roommate. List these issues on a flipchart or board. When five or six issues have been listed, summarize them and point out how resolving each of the issues should involve communicating with facts and a business approach.