Supplemental Digital Content 2
Example of a Session: Linguistic Abilities, Session 5
- Introduction and explanation of the contents of the session.
- Comprehension activities: Video-taped scenes have been specifically created for the purpose of the training program. Three different video-taped scenes are shown to the patients during each session:
(1) a film clip where two actors play out a real-life situation implying complex communicative interchanges, such as ironic or deceitful statements. An example is:
Scene: Marcello is in the kitchen making a coffee. He accidentally tips the sugar bowl over and spills the sugar on the table. Marcello quickly puts the sugar bowl away and drinks his coffee. Marta comes in, ready to go out, and puts her bag on the table to look for her keys.
When she picks the bag up again, she realizes it's all sticky. So, she says "Marcello, where did this sugar come from?". Marcello says: "I don't know. I usually have my coffee without sugar."
(2) a film clip showing a communication failure, where the actors do not achieve their communicative intents. An example is:
Scene: Ludovico and Federica are sitting in the living-room. Ludovico is looking through his collection of DVD movies. He would like to pick one to watch with Federica. Holding one of the DVDs in his hand, he asks Federica: "Have you ever seen Titanic?" and Federica replies: “No, last night I got back home so late!".
(3) a film clip showing the same situation as above, but where the actors’ understand their communicative intents and the communicative interaction is successful. An example is:
Scene: Ludovico and Federica are sitting in the living-room. Ludovico is looking through his collection of DVD movies. He would like to pick one to watch with Federica. Holding one of the DVDs in his hand, he asks Federica: "Have you ever seen Titanic?" and Federica replies: "No, I've never seen it. I would like to."
Discussion on the interaction depicted in the scenes in order to stimulate the patients’
comprehension of the situations presented. (What happened? Was the secretary’s behavior appropriate to the situation and to the request? Why? What could she have said?)
- Production activities: Role playing activities devised for the specific purpose of the training program, aimed to offer the patients the possibility of practicing their communication strategies and get feedback. An example is:
Miss X: In a few days it will be your sister's birthday. So, for the special occasion, you would like to organize a party in her honor and invite her family and friends. You have already planned the menu and decided who you would like to invite to the party. Everything is almost ready.
Miss Y: It's almost your birthday. You know your boyfriend has reserved a table for a romantic dinner at a nice restaurant on the evening of your birthday. You don't want to give up the dinner; nevertheless, you really appreciate your sister's offer and her lovely idea. You don't want to disappoint your sister, so you would like to reach a compromise.
Discussion on the role play observed.
