How to keep talking
What kind of question makes someone explain more instead of just saying yes or no?
An open-ended question.
Saying one-word answers like “fine” or “good” usually does what?
Shuts down the conversation.
"What was the best part of your day?” Is this a driver or a stopper?
Conversation driver.
Your friend says, “I just got a new pet hamster!” How can you respond to keep the conversation going?
Ask an open-ended question like, “What’s its name?” or “What’s it like?”
A friend says, “I didn’t do well on my test.” What’s a bad response that would stop the conversation? What’s a better way?
“Who cares?”
What can you say to show someone you care about what they’re saying?
“That’s interesting, tell me more,” or a similar comment.
What can happen if you check your phone while someone is talking?
It stops the conversation and makes the other person feel ignored.
Rolling your eyes when someone talks. Driver or stopper?
Conversation stopper.
Someone says, “I got a really high score in our video game last night.” How can you respond as a conversation driver?
Show interest: “Wow, that’s awesome! How did you do it?”
Someone is talking about their weekend, and you want to avoid stopping the conversation. What should you not do?
Check your phone or scroll while they’re talking.
How do you show someone you’re really listening to them?
Use active listening – nod, make eye contact, and repeat back what you heard.
Why is interrupting or talking over someone bad for conversations?
It shows you’re not listening and can make the other person stop sharing.
“That reminds me of when I…” after listening carefully. Driver or stopper?
Conversation driver – it connects to their story.
Your classmate shares, “I’m really nervous about the upcoming play.” What’s a good response?
Validate their feelings and ask more: “I get that! What part worries you the most?”
Your friend says, “I’m really excited about the school dance.” What’s a stop conversation response, and what’s a driver response?
“Ugh, that’s lame.”
If someone tells you about their hobby, what is a good way to keep the conversation going?
Make a follow-up comment or ask another question about it.
Changing the topic to yourself instead of listening is called what?
One-upping – it makes the conversation about you, not them.
Answers like “yes,” “no,” and “maybe.” Driver or stopper?
Conversation stopper – they’re closed-ended and don’t keep the talk going.
A friend says, “I love drawing in my free time.” How can you respond to show you’re listening?
Connect and expand: “That’s cool! What do you like to draw the most?”
Someone says, “I love that new song!” What’s a response that would shut the conversation down?
“I don’t care about music.”
Instead of making it only about yourself, how can you make someone feel included in a conversation?
Give them a genuine compliment and ask questions about themselves
Saying “whatever,” “who cares,” or “that’s dumb” does what to a conversation?
It dismisses the other person’s ideas and stops the talk.
Teens who want stronger friendships should use which more often – drivers or stoppers?
Conversation drivers.
Someone tells you about a fun trip they went on. How can you respond to keep the conversation flowing?
Use a follow-up comment: “That sounds amazing! What was your favorite part?”
Your friend shares a personal story. What’s something that would end the conversation quickly, and what would keep it going?
Change the topic to yourself immediately.