Loading…
Your friend Alex has missed several lessons in the last two weeks, has stopped replying to group chats and looks tired. You have decided to talk to Alex at lunch. (Alex is stressed about exams and family problems at home, and has been sleeping badly. There are no immediate safety concerns unless the candidate asks directly, in which case Alex says they are not having thoughts of harming themselves.) You have 6 minutes.
Say your answer out loud first, then jot down the key points you made. Writing it helps you spot gaps — and it's what the AI feedback reads.
0 words
Sensitive, non-judgemental communication, active listening, recognising when and how to encourage help, and respecting a friend's autonomy.
A structure to build your own answer on — not a script.
Open gently
Private setting; express care, not criticism: 'I've noticed you've not been yourself — how are you doing?'
Listen
Open questions; allow silence; reflect back; don't rush to fix.
Explore
Sleep, stress, support; ask directly and calmly about safety if concerned.
Encourage support
Trusted adult, school counsellor, GP; offer to go with them.
Confidentiality limits
Be honest that if you were worried about their safety, you'd need to tell someone.
Close
Agree a small next step and check in again.
A strong but not perfect answer. Read the notes to see why it works — then make your own version with your experiences.
"Hey Alex, have you got a minute? I've noticed you've not been in lessons much, and you've been a bit quiet. I'm not having a go1 — I just wanted to check how you're doing."
Alex shrugs: 'I'm fine.'
"OK. It's just you seem really tired, and it's not like you to miss things. I'm here if you want to talk — no pressure." Pause.2
Alex: 'Things are just a lot at the moment. Exams, and stuff at home.'
"That sounds really hard, dealing with both at once. Do you want to tell me a bit more about it?" Listens. "How's your sleep been?"
Alex: 'Rubbish. I lie awake worrying.'
"I'm really glad you told me. Can I ask — sometimes when people are feeling this low, they have thoughts of hurting themselves. Have you had any thoughts like that?3"
Alex: 'No, nothing like that.'
"OK, thank you for being honest. I think it might help to talk to someone who can actually do something about the exam pressure and the stuff at home — maybe Ms Rahman, the pastoral lead, or your GP about the sleep. Would you want me to come with you?"
Alex agrees to see the pastoral lead.
"Great. I'll keep this between us, but I want to be honest —
Real interviews are won and lost here. Answer each one aloud.