Joining a Conversation
How should you start a conversation with someone you don't know?
Make sure they're not busy and it's a good time to approach them, introduce yourself, ask a question, make a comment about something you can see (ex: I like your shirt!).
True or false: It's okay to just walk away from a conversation without saying anything.
False. You should say goodbye before leaving a conversation, preferably a 3-step goodbye.
What's the point of small talk? Why do we do it?
It's how you can get to know someone, a good way to start a conversation with someone you don't know well, a way to fill awkward silences.
How do you keep a conversation going?
Stay on topic, stay respectful, ask questions, and make on-topic comments.
What is the name of the Arbiter in Halo 2?
Thel' Vadam
What's a good way to join a group conversation?
Ask what they're talking about, or listen for a few minutes to see if you can pick up on the topic. Once you figure out the topic, ask an on-topic question or make a comment to join in.
When is a good time to leave a conversation?
When there's a "lull" in the conversation - between topics, when there's a pause, when there's nothing left to be said.
What are the 2 W's of small talk?
Weekend and the weather. If you're feeling stumped on what to say to someone, you can always ask about their weekend (past or upcoming) or make a comment about the weather.
What are some conversation stoppers?
Not staying on topic, being disrespectful, not paying attention, not asking questions, giving one-word vague answers (yeah, mhmm, wow, etc.), and not seeming interested.
What year did Monopoly come out?
1935
What are some signs that it's NOT a good time to join someone's conversation?
If they're talking about something personal, if they seem like they're arguing, or if they're in a bad mood.
What are the steps to a 3-step goodbye?
1) State that you're leaving (ex: "Well, I should head out,")
2) Give the reason why you're leaving (ex: "I said I'd meet Sarah at the park soon.")
3) Say goodbye somehow (ex: "See you guys later!")
What are some good small talk topics?
Commenting on something you can see. For example: "I like your shirt, where did you get it?" Bring up something the person likes, questions about themselves, talk about your surroundings/something you both can see, hear, or feel, etc.
What steps should you take if the person you're talking to doesn't seem interested in continuing the conversation?
Switch the topic to something you know they'd be interested in. If that doesn't work and they still seem uninterested, end the conversation.
What does GLaDOS mean from Portal?
Genetic Lifeform and Disk Operating System.
Scenario: You walk up to two people, and they're talking about winter break. How could you join their conversation?
What do you guys have planned? What are you doing for the holidays? Are you staying around here or traveling somewhere? Are you going to be celebrating?
How do you leave a conversation you don't want to be in?
Be polite about it, don't tell them you're bored as this may hurt their feelings, give a vague reason like "well I should get going," etc.
What's a good small talk topic around the holidays?
What are you doing for (insert holiday here)? How was your Thanksgiving break? What did you do? Are you doing anything exciting over winter break? How was your holiday?
What are some signs you should NOT continue a conversation?
If they appear uninterested (not paying attention, looking away, doing something else), if they're being aggressive (raising their voice, making rude comments), if they're in a bad mood and don't seem like talking, etc.
What are some of the 10 playable races in the Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim?
Argonian, Khajiit, Redguard, Nord, Breton, Imperial, Orsimer, Bosmer, Altmer, and Dunmer.
Scenario: You walk up two people and they're talking about Star Trek. How could you join their conversation?
Ask what their favorite episode is, favorite series, favorite character, etc.
How could you end an online conversation?
The same way you'd end a conversation in person - using the 3-step goodbye. Example:
1) I've got to head out,
2) I have to go do something.
3) Talk to you later!
What are some bad small talk topics?
Things the other person may be uncomfortable with, something very random, something insulting, etc.
Your friend just said they're going to Florida. What are some questions and comments you can make to continue the conversation?
Are you visiting any family there? What are you going to be doing there? How long will you be there? I've never been there, what it's like? What city/area are you going to? Are you flying or driving? Have you been there before?
When did the first Halo game come out?
November 15, 2001