Conversation Skills
When someone is talking, what should your body and brain be doing?
Listening, looking toward the speaker, and thinking about what they are saying.
What does it mean to “read the room?”
Looking at clues around you to understand how people are feeling and what is happening.
When we have a big feeling, what can we do before we react?
Pause, take a breath, and choose a strategy.
What does self-advocacy mean?
Speaking up for what you need, want, or feel.
What does it mean to respect someone?
Treating others with kindness and valuing their thoughts and feelings.
What are the two W’s? (Small Talk)
Weather & Weekend!
Your friend is crying and looks upset. Should you tell a joke or ask if they are okay?
Ask if they are okay and show kindness.
Name one strategy that can help your brain calm down.
Deep breaths, counting, asking for help, taking a break, positive self-talk.
Your friend is playing too rough and you do not like it. What could you say?
“I don’t like that. Please stop.”
Your friend has a different opinion than you. What should you do?
Listen and respect their opinion.
True or False: A conversation is only about sharing your own ideas.
False! Conversations are about sharing, listening, and taking turns.
You are playing a game and everyone is getting frustrated because someone keeps changing the rules. What clues tell you something is wrong?
People look upset, stop playing, or say they are frustrated.
You lose a game and feel frustrated. What is a helpful thought you can tell yourself?
“It’s okay! I can try again.” / “Maybe next time.”
Asking for help is an example of self-advocacy. True or False?
True!
Is saying “That’s a bad idea!” a respectful way to disagree?
No. Try “I have a different idea” or “What if we tried this?”
Your friend is telling you about their favorite game, but you keep changing the topic to your favorite things. What skill do you need to practice?
Staying on topic and making connected comments.
Your teacher is giving directions, but you are talking loudly with a friend. Are you reading the room? Why or why not?
No, because you are missing clues that it is time to listen.
Your friend chooses a game you do not like. Your brain says “This is terrible!” How can you change the channel?
Try being flexible, find something fun about it, or suggest another idea.
You do not understand the directions for an activity. What could you say?
“Can you please explain that again?” or “I need help.”
Your friend does not want to play the same game as you. How can you show respect?
Be flexible, listen, and find a solution together.
Why do we have conversations with others?
To learn about them, to show we are interested, and to be a good friend!
You walk into a room and notice your friends are quietly working on a project. You start yelling and running around because you are excited. Are you reading the room? Why or why not?
No. You need to notice the clues that people are focused and choose a quieter behavior.
You make a mistake during a game and feel embarrassed. What are some helpful thoughts you can tell yourself?
“Everyone makes mistakes,” “I can try again,” or “Mistakes help me learn.”
Your friend takes a toy you were playing with without asking. What is a way you can advocate for yourself respectfully?
“I was still playing with that. I will give you a turn when I am done!”
Your group has two different ideas for an activity. What can you do?
Talk it out, vote, compromise, or combine ideas.