Conversation skills
What is a good way to start a friendly conversation with someone?
asking an easy question like "How's your day going?" or "What are you into?"
What might it mean if someone keeps checking their phone while you’re talking?
They may be distracted or not fully engaged.
What’s one simple phrase you can use to calm a tense situation?
“Let’s figure this out” or “I’m not trying to fight.”
What’s something small you can do to show you care about a friend?
Check in on them or remember something they told you.
What’s a polite way to say “no” when someone asks you to do something you don’t want to do?
“No thanks, I’m good.”
When someone is talking, what's one thing you can do to show you're listening?
Nod, say "yeah", or make eye contact
If someone steps back while you’re talking to them, what social cue might that be?
They need more personal space.
If you said something that hurt someone’s feelings, what’s a good first step?
Acknowledge it and apologize.
What’s one way to support a friend who’s having a bad day?
Listen without trying to fix everything.
If someone asks you a question you don’t feel comfortable answering, what can you do?
Say, “I’d rather not talk about that.”
What's a good way to keep a conversation going when it gets quiet?
Ask a follow up question about what they just said.
When a friend gives short answers like “fine,” “ok,” or “whatever,” what might that signal?
They might be upset or not wanting to talk much.
What’s a healthy way to respond if someone is upset and raising their voice?
Stay calm and say you want to talk when they are ready.
What’s a fair way to handle misunderstandings between friends?
Talk about it directly and calmly.
What’s one sign that you might need to take a break from a situation?
Feeling overwhelmed, irritated, or overstimulated.
What do you call it when someone makes short comments like "oh wow", or "that's cool" to show they're following along?
What’s a sign that someone is interested in talking to you?
They ask you questions back.
What’s something you can say instead of blaming during an argument?
Use “I” statements, like “I felt ___ when ___ happened.”
What’s an important trait of a healthy friendship?
Respect (or trust, honesty, support—any is acceptable).
What’s the name of the strategy where you pause before reacting so you don’t say something you regret?
Stop-Think-Choose (impulse control).
What's a polite way to leave a conversation if you're feeling overwhelmed or you're done talking?
"Hey, I'm gonna take a break/I need a minute, but it was good talking with you."
What’s it called when you notice someone’s tone, body language, and facial expression to understand how they feel?
Social awareness / reading nonverbal communication.
What’s a strategy to take a break from conflict without shutting the person down?
“I need 5 minutes to cool off so I don’t say something I don’t mean.”
What should you do if a friend starts treating you poorly?
Set boundaries or take space to protect yourself.
What’s one way to protect your emotional boundary without being rude?
“I care about you, but I can’t talk about that right now.”