We engage in face communication to protect our own needs for involvement and/or independence.

We engage in face supporting communication to protect the other party's needs for involvement and/or independence.

Face saving is challenging because moves to save our own face can automatically threaten the other's face. For example imagine a new teacher trying to emphasize individual competence among his peers.

"Well back in California I created a curriculum guide for addressing this issue."

The listener in this situation may beel that the new teacher is threatening their involvement by highlighting her independent achievements; they may feel their ability and autonomy is being challenged by the implication that they could not figure out a solution on their own.

In contrast, a new colleague may emphasize connection by showing deference to others:

"I know I am new, so please tell me how you all handle that situation here."

This can threaten the speaker's autonomy by sending the message that the teacher needs help.

The best face saving strategies are those that are able to balance the tension by attending to involvement and independence simultaneously.

• Emphasizing mutual respect

"I know you have done this 1,000 times and I just completed an in-service in this area, could we use our combination of experience to develop the best plan?"

• Providing clear explanations

"I understand that you don't agree with my decision, but I have worked with this family in the past and I can predict how they will respond. I think we have the best chance of cooperation if we follow this scenario."

• Discussing concerns in private

(After an IEP team meeting) "I was really uncomfortable with the way that parent responded to your comments. Would you mind some constructive criticism about ways to handle that situation in the future?"