Conversation Skills
What is a conversation?
An exchange of information or ideas between two or more people.
Give an example of a small problem
You lose in a game
You lose a pencil
You get an answer wrong in class
The cafeteria is out of your favorite pizza
Size of the Problem = ___________
Size of the Reaction
Define interrupting
To stop the continuous progress of an activity or process
Flexible Thinking: School started two hours ago and your classmate has not yet come to school. What are two different reasons she may not be at school?
Sick
Doctors Appointment
Out of town
Car broke down
Overslept and missed the bus
What are some ways you can tell if someone is engaged in the conversation?
Body language (smiling, nodding, facing you, not checking their watch)
The conversation is 50/50
They seem interested about the topic
Give an example of a medium problem
Someone is mean to you
You lose your gym uniform
You trip and fall
Give an example of a small reaction
Ignore it
Look the other way
Shrug it off
Fix the problem and carry on
List 3 times when you should not interrupt
The teacher is talking
A classmate is speaking
You have been asked to remain quiet
You are listening to a friend
You are receiving directions
Problem Solving: You are working on a group project and one of your classmates is goofing off and not getting any work done. What can you do to solve this problem?
Talk to the teacher
You have been talking non-stop about video games for the last ten minutes. How can you include your friend into the conversation?
Ask them about their hobbies, if they play video games?
Give an example of a big problem
You get hurt
You are threatened
There is a fire
Give an example of a medium reaction
Ask for a break
Try another way
Walk away
When might you need to interrupt?
There is an emergency
You are running late
You missed important directions
You don't understand a lesson
Problem Solving: You are in the middle of a video game and your mom asks you to do chore. You really want to finish the game first. What can you do?
Politely ask if you can finish
What percent of the time should you spend talking in a group of 4 people?
25%
Problem: You are late to school because your mom's car wouldn't start.
Reaction: You yell at mom for making you late.
Is this an over-reaction or a correct-reaction?
Over-reaction
Give an example of a big reaction
Scream
Yell for help
Stomp your feet
Your friend is talking about a video game, but class starts in 2 minutes and you are going to be late. How do you politely interrupt them?
ex: "Excuse me, but I don't want to be late to class. Let's talk later."
"I'm so sorry to cut you off but the bell is about to ring, see you later!"
Think it vs say it: You notice your teacher has bags under her eyes. You want to say "Wow, you look really tired". Is this something you should keep to yourself or say?
Think it
What are the four conversation rules?
1. Stay on topic
2. Don't interrupt
3. Take turns talking
4. Pay attention
You want to tell your teacher about your fun weekend but they are too busy to listen. Give an example of an over-reaction and a correct reaction.
Over-Reaction: You refuse to participate the rest of the day
Correct Reaction: wait quietly until you see your teacher is free. Tell her your story.
What is an appropriate reaction to finding out your friend told your secret?
Ask to talk to them and explain what you're feeling
Your teacher tells an incorrect answer on a study guide while reviewing for a big test. How can you politely interrupt?
Raise your hand and wait
"Excuse me..."
Think it vs say it: Your classmate is talking about how they can't eat or drink anything with milk products in it. You want to say "Wow, I'm so glad I don't have that problem". Is this something you would keep to yourself or say?
Think it