Convo 101
What is a conversation?
An interaction between two or more people in which ideas are exchanged
Your friend says: "I like ice cream"
What could you say to keep the conversation going?
Ex. I like ice cream too! My favorite is chocolate.
Your friend says: "Woo! It's the weekend"
What could you say to keep the conversation going?
Ex. I know! I'm so excited. Do you have any plans?
You don't feel like having a conversation, and need some space.
A teacher walks by and says: "Hey Ann, so good to see you!"
What could you say to be polite but get out of the conversation?
Ex. Hi
Ex. I really enjoy camping, we went three times this summer! Do you like to camp?
It is clear your communication partner doesn't understand what you said. What do you do?
Your friend says: "It was nice spending time with you yesterday"
What could you say to keep the conversation going?
Ex. I enjoyed it too. Would you like to do it again soon?
Your friend says: "My dog ran away, and I'm really upset"
What could you say to keep the conversation going?
Ex. I'm so sorry. Can I help you look for him?
You don't feel like having a conversation, and need some space.
Your classmate asks you what to do on an assignment, but you are busy and there are clear instructions on the assignment.
What could you say to be polite but get out of the conversation?
Ex. I'm in the middle of something, but if you look at the top of the page I think the instructions will help you
Start a conversation: the topic is Prom
Ex. Hey, I'm thinking I want to go to Prom. Do you know who you are going to ask?
Fleeting eye contact is when you glance at your communication partner and away to show interest (you can look at their forehead instead of their eyes!)
Your friend says: "The pandemic is making me feel really worried and anxious."
What could you say to keep the conversation going?
Ex. Me too. Have you talked to anyone? It helps me to talk to my Dad.
Your friend says: "I think Fortnite is stupid"
What could you say to keep the conversation going?
Ex. Huh, I really like it. What don't you like about it?
You don't feel like having a conversation, and need some space.
You have a headache, and this person keeps trying to flirt with you.
What could you say to be polite but get out of the conversation?
Ex. I'm sorry, I have a bad headache. Can we chat later?
Start a conversation: You're angry with a friend for ditching you at lunch
Ex. Hey, what happened at lunch yesterday? I was waiting for you in the cafeteria.
What happens to the conversation if I only respond with short responses?
It ends or is difficult to continue
Your friend says: "The boy I like is coming over to watch a movie tomorrow night. I'm nervous"
What could you say to keep the conversation going?
Ex. That's exciting! Just be yourself, you're a great person.
Your friend says: "My grandmother is sick. I have to go to Billings to visit her this weekend."
What could you say to keep the conversation going?
Ex. Ugh, that sucks. I hope she's okay!
You don't feel like having a conversation, and need some space.
You had a tough weekend at home, and a teacher wants to have a joyful conversation "Dan, how was your weekend? Was it fabulous?!"
What could you say to be polite but get out of the conversation?
Ex. Thanks for asking, but I'm not really in the mood to chat right now.
Start a conversation: A group member isn't doing their fair share, and you want to talk to them about it.
Ex. Hey, I'm feeling like I need more help with this project. Can you start doing more research?
When you ask questions about a topic to learn more of clarify something, what does that show?
Interest
Your friend says: "I think they have a crush on you!"
What could you say to keep the conversation going?
Ex. Oh man, that makes me nervous! Do you think I should talk to them?
Your friend says: "Joe asked me to Prom but I really don't want to go with him.
What could you say to keep the conversation going?
Ex. Yikes, that's hard. What did you say?
You don't feel like having a conversation, and need some space.
Your friend: "I'm so in love with Suzy. She's the best. And I think she likes me too!" (You also have a crush on Suzy and you're upset that your friend does too)
What could you say to be polite but get out of the conversation?
Ex. She's a really nice person. Do you have any plans for this weekend? (Change the subject)
Start a conversation: Your friend is using he/him pronouns, but you accidentally said she/her and they are upset.
Ex. Hey, I'm sorry I used the incorrect pronouns. I'm trying to remember but sometimes I slip up