Conversation "starter"
Looking towards someone is a conversation starter
TRUE! It shows the person that you're listening
Walking away is a conversation stopper
TRUE! Walking away when someone is talking may make them think you're not interested in what they're saying. It might make them confused or upset.
Greeting
Saying hello and asking if they can talk
What did you have for dinner last night?
Have a conversation with the person next to you about dinner
When you didn't hear them
ask them to repeat themself
Staying on topic is a conversation starter
TRUE! It's important to stay on topic so the other person understands what you're talking about. It also helps them feel like you're listening to them.
Changing the topic without letting the other person know is a conversation stopper
TRUE! If you change the topic without letting the other person know. It might make them confused or feel like you don't care about what they're saying.
TIP: using "transition" words can help to change the topic. For example, you can say "by the way", "after that I...", "that reminds me of..."
Topic
The thing you want to talk about.
Reminders: Remember it's important to take turns in a conversation
What do you want to do this weekend?
When you're confused
Ask them to explain a little more
Taking turns is a conversation starter
TRUE! It's important not to talk over people so everyone has a turn during a conversation.
Not responding to someone is a conversation stopper
TRUE! If you don't take turns, the other person may think you didn't hear them or that you don't want to talk
TIP: If you're not available to talk, you can always politely let the know. For example, "sorry I can't talk right now"
Comments
a positive, neutral, or negative response to something someone said
Example: "me too", "bummer", "that's cool!"
Are you excited for spring?
Have a conversation with the person next to you
When you spoke over top of someone
Say you're sorry and ask them to repeat themself
Asking on topic questions is a conversation starter
TRUE! People think that you are interested or care about what they're saying when you ask questions. It's important to ask questions about the same or related topics.
TIP: If you can't think of a question, you can always ask the same question they asked you
Saying "I don't know" when asked a question is a conversation stopper
TRUE! When someone asks you a question and you respond with "I don't know" it stops the conversation.
TIP: If you're unsure about something, you can ask for help or ask them to explain a little more.
Questions
A good way to start a conversation is to ask someone a questions
For example: "How's your day?"
What's your favorite color?
Have a conversation with the person next to you?
When someone turn away or walked away
Ask them if they're available to talk and if not ask to talk later
Making comments is a conversation starter
TRUE! If you make a comment during a conversation, the other person might feel like you're listening to them and interested in what they're saying
Talking over someone is a conversation stopper
TRUE! It's rude to talk when another person is speak. Make sure to take turns and use "good listening ears".
TIP: If you weren't paying attention, you can always ask someone to repeat themselves.
Ending
A good way to end a conversation is by thanking them for talking or saying good-bye
What is your favorite song?
When someone's face looks upset
Think about if you: interrupted, spoke over top of them, ignored them, or changed the topic without letting them know. If you did this may have made them confused or upset.
BONUS: What's something you can do if someone looks confused when you're talking to them?