Entering a Conversation
True or False:
When entering a conversation, you should introduce yourself first.
False
When entering a conversation, it is important to determine whether the other person/group is interested in talking with you, before introducing yourself.
What is a common interest?
A common interest is something that you have in common with someone else. Common interests are helpful when trying to engage in a conversation with another person/group of people.
True/False
It is ok to turn and leave a conversation, without giving a cover story, after you have already been spoken to.
False
Once you have been accepted into the conversation and spoken to, you need to give a cover story for leaving the conversation. If you turn and leave without saying anything, people might think you are weird or feel awkward.
True or False
Everyone needs to be friends with you and you have to be friends with everyone else.
False
Friendship is a choice and not everyone has to be your friend. You do not need to be friends with everyone else either. It is ok if someone chooses to not be your friend, and it is ok if you choose not to be friends with someone else.
How many people do you need to have an individual conversation? A group conversation?
Two for individual
Three or more for group
Why is it important to find a common interest when entering a conversation with another person?
It is important to find a common interest when entering a conversation with another person so that you will have something familiar to talk about with that person. If you don't find a common interest, it will be difficult to carry on a conversation about a subject/topic that you know nothing about.
Name three common interests that middle schoolers might share.
TV Friends
Video games Shopping
School Sports
Homework Pets
Movies Favorite Hobby
What is a cover story?
A cover story is something that you tell someone/group (a reason) for entering or exiting a conversation.
Name two places where you might meet and make a new friend.
School, church, clubs, neighborhood, pool, etc.
True or False
It is always important to be funny when first meeting a person.
False
Remember that when you are first meeting someone, it is important to be a little more serious because you don't know what the other person's sense of humor is like and you don't want to offend him/her.
If you try to enter 10 different conversations, what percentage are you likely to be accepted?
50% or 5 out of 10
What are the three ways that you can tell someone might be interested in talking to you?
Their eyes are looking at you.
Their body is facing you.
They are talking to you.
What does it mean to "keep your cool?"
When you "keep your cool," you remain calm. Sometimes, you might need to use one of your strategies for "keeping your cool" like taking a deep breath or counting to 10.
What is a social group?
A social group is a group formed of people who share a common interest in something. For example, Boy/Girl Scouts, Chorus, Band, Soccer, Baseball, etc.
What zone could you be in if you are not accepted into a group conversation?
When you are not accepted into a group conversation, you may feel embarrassed, awkward (yellow), sad, unhappy (blue), or angry, mad (red).
What is a prop? Can you give me two examples?
A prop is something a person uses to appear "busy" when trying to enter a conversation. A prop is helpful because it doesn't make the other person/group feel like you are stalking them when trying to find a common interest or figure out what is being discussed.
Props can be your phone, tablet, pencil/pen, paper, computer, hand held video game, etc.
When introducing yourself to another person/group of people, what information should you give?
Your name...that's it! You don't need to give your last name, unless someone asks you, and never give out personal information (such as your phone number, address, etc.) to people you don't know.
Why is it not ok to stand outside of a group and stare at the people talking, if you are not accepted into the conversation?
It is not ok to stand outside of a group and stare at the people talking, if you are not accepted into the conversation, because it makes others feel awkward or uncomfortable and it is an unexpected social behavior. People might think negative thoughts about you.
What does it mean to trade information?
Trading information is when you share/take turns information with another person/group. Usually the information traded relates to a common interest that you have with that person/group.
Give me two strategies that you could use if you feel you are in the red zone.
Red Zone--take deep breaths
go for a walk, count to 10, do wall pushups, go to a quiet place, talk to a trusted adult, eat a snack, get a drink of water.
When is the "right" time to enter a conversation?
The right time to enter a conversation is when there is a pause/break in the conversation. You don't want to interrupt another person while talking, as this may appear rude.
What is a conversation hog?
A conversation hog is a person who does all the talking in a conversation. He/she does not allow the other person to talk.
Give me an example of two cover stories that you could give someone/group when needing to leave a conversation that you were a part of.
I am late for dinner....
My mom needs me to come home....
I've gotta go...it's time for me to do my homework
Class is about to change...
Why is it important to take into consideration a person's reputation when choosing appropriate friends?
Because who you hang out with is a reflection on what type of person you are...if you hang out with kids who have bad reputations, then others will think you have a bad reputation too, even if that isn't the case.
What is the difference between a close-ended and open-ended question?
A closed-ended question is one that usually requires a short answer, like yes or no.
An open-ended question is one that requires a longer response with more details.