SOFTEN
S stands for...
Smiling
Eye contact, avoid distractions, showing interests with facial expressions, etc.
Not letting the speaker finish before you start talking
Bad
Topic: Animals
Use good communication skills to have a conversation about animals
Vary
You can start talking while someone else is still talking
False
T stands for...
Taking notes
How can you show that you are interested in what the speaker is saying?
Eye contact, nodding, facial expressions, asking on topic questions, open posture, etc.
Asking the speaker questions that are on topic
Good
Topic: Holidays
Give me 3 "W" questions that you could use in conversation
Examples:
Who do you spend _____ with
What is your favorite holiday
Where do you like to go for ______
Why do you like _______
When was your favorite holiday celebration
If I ask your friend a question, you can answer
False
E stands for...
Eye contact
Responding appropriately means...
Staying on topic and waiting your turn
Talking when others are talking
Bad
Topic: Sports
2 of your friends are talking about sports. How can you enter the conversation?
Example: I heard you talking about the football game last night. What team do you cheer for?
You guys like baseball too? What did you think about the game yesterday?
I'm not much of a football fan, but I really enjoy soccer.
True
O stands for...
Open posture
When someone else is speaking, should you be thinking about what you will say next?
No. You can't listen to the speaker and respond appropriately if you are thinking about what you want to say next.
Changing the subject
Bad
Topic: Movies
Tell me about your favorite movie. You can describe it, tell me why you like it, or tell me what you like about it. You should include a clear beginning, middle, and end, and only include important details. Make sure you don't get sidetracked or go off topic!
Vary
Talking over someone means that what you are saying is more important than what they are saying
False
F stands for...
Forward lean
What does it look like if you are not practicing active listening?
Ignoring the speaker, no eye contact, playing on your phone, interrupting, overtalking, etc.
Not letting others have a turn to talk
Bad
Topic: Hobbies
Let's talk about hobbies! How would you start the conversation? Lets try it!
Vary
When someone is talking about something you don't understand, don't like, or don't want to talk about, it is okay to tell them to stop talking
False