Starting & Maintaining Conversations
What is a good way to start a conversation with someone you don’t know very well?
Ask an open-ended question, comment on something you have in common, or give a genuine compliment.
What does it usually mean if someone keeps checking their phone while you’re talking to them?
They might be distracted, uninterested, or not fully engaged in the conversation.
What should you do if a friend asks you to do something that you know is wrong or could get you in trouble?
Politely say no and suggest an alternative activity that’s fun and safe.
You and your friend both want to sit in the same seat, and you start arguing. What’s a fair way to resolve this?
Take turns, compromise, or find another seat to avoid unnecessary conflict.
You notice a classmate who is always alone at lunch. What could you do to show empathy?
Invite them to join your group, ask how they’re feeling, or offer to sit with them.
You’re in a group conversation, but you don’t know what to say. What’s one way to join in without interrupting?
Listen for a moment, find a natural pause, and then ask a related question or make a relevant comment.
You’re talking to a classmate, and they’re nodding while looking at their phone. What should you do?
Politely ask if they’re listening, or give them space to finish what they’re doing before continuing.
Your friend is getting teased at lunch. What’s something supportive you could do?
Stand up for your friend, say something kind to them, and ask others to stop.
You notice a classmate getting teased, but they laugh it off like they don’t care. What should you consider before deciding how to respond?
They might be pretending it doesn’t bother them. It’s important to check in with them privately or stand up for them in a way that doesn’t embarrass them.
Your friend is feeling down because they didn’t do well on a test. What can you do to show empathy?
Listen to their feelings, offer support, and remind them that it’s okay to not always succeed—everyone has bad days.
What is one mistake people make in conversations that can make them seem uninterested or rude?
Looking at their phone, interrupting, giving only one-word answers, or not asking follow-up questions
What are two signs that someone might not want to continue a conversation?
Giving one-word answers, avoiding eye contact, looking around the room, or turning their body away from you.
You have a disagreement with your friend, but they won’t listen to your side. What’s the best way to handle it?
Calmly explain how you feel and ask if they’re willing to talk about it later when both of you are calm
A friend gets mad at you for something you didn’t do. How should you handle it?
Stay calm, ask them to explain, and try to clear up any misunderstandings rather than reacting with anger.
A classmate says something offensive without realizing it. How can you correct them in a respectful way?
Calmly explain why their words might be hurtful and suggest a better way to say it.
You’re talking to a friend, but they keep giving short responses like “yeah” or “cool.” What should you do?
Change the topic, ask a different type of question, or check if they’re in the mood to talk
You walk up to a group of classmates, and they get quiet when you arrive. What might this mean, and how should you respond?
They could have been talking about something private. You can say something friendly and see how they respond, or give them space if they seem uncomfortable.
Your friend is going through a tough time and seems distant. How can you support them?
Check in with them, let them know you care, ask if they want to talk, and respect their space if they need it.
What are two ways to de-escalate an argument before it gets worse?
Take deep breaths, lower your voice, suggest taking a break, or focus on finding a compromise instead of proving a point.
You and your friend are both trying out for the same sports team, and you make the team, but your friend doesn’t. They seem really upset. How can you show empathy?
Acknowledge their feelings, remind them that they are still talented, and encourage them to try again next time.
You're talking to a friend about a group project, and they suddenly change the topic to something you don’t care about. What’s a polite way to steer the conversation back?
“That sounds interesting, but I wanted to finish talking about our project. What do you think about this idea?”
Some people struggle to recognize sarcasm. What are two ways to tell if someone is being sarcastic instead of serious?
Pay attention to their tone of voice (exaggerated or playful), facial expressions (smirking, raised eyebrows), and whether their words match the situation.
Your group of friends starts making fun of someone you don’t know very well. You feel uncomfortable but don’t want to seem “uncool.” What should you do?
Speak up and say something like, “I don’t think we should joke about that—it’s not nice.”
You’re upset with a group project partner because they haven’t done their part. What should you do?
Talk to them directly, calmly explain how it’s affecting the project, and ask if they need help or support to catch up.
Your teacher is giving instructions for a group project, but one of your classmates keeps interrupting and talking over them. What would be the most respectful way to handle this situation?
Politely ask your classmate to listen so everyone can hear, or wait until there's a break to remind them to be respectful.