Reading the Room
What is one body language sign that someone might not want to talk?
Looking away, crossed arms, tense posture.
Name one way to start a conversation.
Saying hello, giving a compliment, asking a question.
Name one sign of good listening.
Eye contact, nodding, responding.
Should you listen before jumping into a group conversation?
Yes.
What is a repair statement?
Something you say to fix a social mistake.
What makes a compliment sincere?
It’s specific and genuine.
Name one facial expression that shows happiness.
Smiling, relaxed face, raised eyebrows.
What is a safe small-talk topic?
School, hobbies, sports, TV shows.
What is one phrase that shows you’re listening?
“Oh wow,” “That makes sense.”
What is one polite way to leave a conversation?
“I gotta go, nice talking to you.”
Give an example of a repair statement.
“Sorry, I didn’t mean to interrupt.”
How should you respond to a compliment?
“Thank you.”
If someone is sitting alone with their head down, what emotion might they be feeling?
Sad, tired, overwhelmed (will accept reasonable responses).
What should you do after someone answers your question?
Listen and respond or ask a follow-up question.
What is one distraction that gets in the way of listening?
Phone, side conversations, zoning out.
Why is it rude to walk away mid-sentence?
It can hurt feelings and seem disrespectful.
What should you do if you say something awkward?
Acknowledge it and move on.
What is constructive feedback meant to do?
Help someone improve.
Why is it important to notice body language before starting a conversation?
It helps us know if it’s a good time to talk or if someone needs space.
What is one sign a conversation might be ending?
Short answers, looking away, checking the time.
Why does body language matter when listening?
It shows the speaker you care.
What should you do if a group is talking about something private?
Step away or excuse yourself.
Why is apologizing better than pretending nothing happened?
It rebuilds trust.
What is an inappropriate response to feedback?
Getting defensive or rude.
What is one respectful way to check in with someone who looks upset?
“Hey, you seem off—do you want to talk or need space?”
Why is asking questions better than talking only about yourself?
It shows interest and keeps the conversation balanced.
How can you listen even when the topic isn’t interesting to you?
Focus on the person, not the topic.
What’s the benefit of leaving a conversation politely?
It keeps relationships positive.
What happens if you never repair social mistakes?
Relationships can suffer.
Why is it important to stay calm when receiving feedback?
It helps you learn.
You notice someone smiling but standing far away with crossed arms. What might this mean?
They may be polite but not open to conversation.
If someone gives short answers and looks away, what are two respectful choices?
Change the topic or politely end the conversation.
How can poor listening make someone feel?
Ignored, frustrated, unimportant.
How can joining a conversation too loudly cause problems?
It can interrupt or annoy others.
Why is owning your mistake more effective than blaming others?
It shows responsibility.
How can you respond assertively to feedback you don’t like?
“Thanks for letting me know.”
How can misreading body language cause conflict, and how can you prevent it?
Approaching when someone needs space can annoy them; checking in or backing off prevents this.
Why should you adjust how you talk based on the other person’s reactions?
It shows respect and social awareness.
Why does listening build more trust than talking?
People feel valued when they are heard.
Why does how you exit a conversation affect how people remember you?
Respectful exits show maturity.
How do repairs help relationships long-term?
They build trust and accountability.
Why does handling feedback well help you in the future?
It supports growth and trust.