Conversations
Name at least 3 things you might do during a conversation to show that you are interested.
Ask questions, make comments, relate the conversation back to yourself, eye contact, appropriate body position/posture, nodding your head, etc.
Betty was sitting next to her friend, but she had to change seats and is now sitting next to Ned. Compare and contrast their social cues. How do you think each person is feeling? (start at 2:20)
- Betty: body turned away, lacking eye contact, short responses --> not interested in talking
- Ned: eye contact and asking questions --> interested in talking to Betty
You have 3 big tests scheduled on the same day and you're feeling overwhelmed. How do you manage your time and stress?
Identify at least 2 solutions to this problem.
- Create a study schedule that breaks up your time for each subject.
- Talk to your teachers about possibly rescheduling one of the tests.
- Study with a friend or group to divide review materials and quiz each other.
You're frustrated by an in class assignment and feel like yelling. What can you do or say instead?
- ask a teacher or classmate for help, take a deep breath, drink some water, ask if you can be excused for a minute and take a walk, etc.
A friend excitedly shared with you that they just got back from vacation. Identify:
- 1 comment
- 1 follow-up question
- 1 way to connect the conversation to yourself
- comment: Sounds fun!
- follow-up question: Where did you go?
- relating to the convo: I just went to Hawaii!
DAILY DOUBLE: Identify 2 different nonverbal cues and explain the message they indicate/portray
- eye contact: can portray interest or lack of interest/boredom
- posture: can portray confidence or lack of confidence
- tone/pitch: sarcasm, emotion, etc.
- facial expressions: feelings/emotions
You've missed a few assignments in science and your grade is dropping. You're not sure how to catch up or if it's even possible.
Identify at least 2 solutions to this problem.
- Ask your teacher for help or a makeup plan.
- Set small daily goals to catch up gradually.
- Use school resources like tutoring or study halls
A classmate says something you don’t agree with during a group discussion. What can you do or say?
- Respectfully say, “I see your point, but I think...” and share your opinion
DAILY DOUBLE: What are 3 “small talk” topics you can use when starting a conversation with someone new?
1. School or classwork (e.g., “How’s the homework going?”)
2.Current events or shared experiences (e.g., “Did you see the basketball game last night?”)
3. Common interests (e.g., “What kind of music do you like?”).
Ross just found out that his best friend and sister are in a relationship. How does the change in Ross' tone of voice change the meaning of his statement? (start at 2:45)
- frustrated/upset vs. excited/proud
You’ve been feeling unmotivated to do homework. You’re bored, distracted, and can't stop watching youtube.
Identify at least 2 solutions to this problem.
- Set short-term goals (e.g., study for 30 minutes and reward yourself (e.g. watch 5 minutes of youtube)
- Complete the easier assignments first to build momentum
- Remove any distractions while studying
Your friend is telling you a long story, and you're getting bored. What can you do or say?
- Keep eye contact, nod politely, and wait until they’re done before changing the topic
- Politely let them know that you have to get going
You've been rambling on about a new video game you just got and you haven't let your friend get a word in.
1. What are some signs that might indicate a person is losing interest in a conversation?
2. What is something you can do to include your friend in the conversation?
1. fleeting eye contact, looking around the room, checking the time, giving short responses, etc.
2. ask them questions, change the topic etc.
Sheldon is filming an episode of Fun with Flags and invites Penny as a guest on his show. Compare and contrast the differences between Penny's body language vs. Sheldon's body language. (start at 1:05)
- Penny: body turned toward Sheldon and eye contact directed toward Sheldon --> more natural
- Sheldon: body and eyes directed toward the camera, cadence and tone of voice is robotic --> less natural
DAILY DOUBLE: You are working on a group project in class. Your group members all want to do things differently and no one agrees on how to complete the assignment.
Identify at least 2 solutions to this problem.
- Assign roles to divide tasks.
- Ask the teacher to help if the group isn't cooperating.
- Offer to be the organizer to help keep things moving forward and reduce confusion.
- Listen to everyone's idea and have everyone vote
- Compromise - incorporate certain aspects from each person's idea
DAILY DOUBLE: You're at a friend's house and he offers you a cookie that he baked himself. You don't really like the cookie. What can you do or say?
- thank him for the cookie and let him know you liked it to avoid hurting his feelings
- just say thank him for the cookie and avoid commenting on the taste
- politely explain that the cookie wasn't for you
Engage in a reciprocal conversation with a person of your choice. During the conversation you must:
- ask 1 topic question
- ask at least 1 follow up question
- make at least 1 comment
- relate the conversation back to yourself at least 1 time
Topics may include, but are not limited to: spring break, favorite food, hobbies, summer plans, vacations, video games, etc.
Compare and contrast boy's body language and gestures. What type of message does each nonverbal cue convey?
- darth vadar stance (standing tall, wide stance, hands out) --> portrays strength and determination
- head down, shrugged shoulders, hand on head --> potrays feelings of defeat
- shakes head left to right, two palms out --> "no time for hugs"
- jumps backwards and turns toward parents --> feelings of shock/disbelief
You made a friend online who you’ve never met in person. They’re starting to ask you personal questions and it's making you feel uncomfortable.
Identify at least 2 solutions to the problem.
- Block the person and stop responding.
- Tell a trusted adult.
- Let them know that their questions are making you feel uncomfortable and you would prefer to talk about something else.
You’re confused about an assignment in class, but you're too embarrassed to speak up. What can you do or say?
- Privately ask your teacher for help
- Ask a classmate for help