Conversation Skills
What are the two strategies used to keep a conversation going?
Making comments and Asking Questions
What are the three different communication styles for managing conflict?
Passive, Assertive, Aggressive
Name two things that are important to being able to complete a task in a group.
Make sure you are heard, come up with a plan, select a leader, etc.
What is nonverbal language?
Communication without words demonstrated by gestures or body language or facial expressions
What is sarcasm?
Saying the opposite of what you mean
You want to be involved in a conversation with your friends, but they are already talking. What do you do?
Answers may vary
- Say excuse me
- Wait for an opening
- Try again later
Which communication style is best for resolving conflict and why?
Assertive because you get what you need and no one's feelings get hurt
You are working on a group project with classmates. Billy wants to build a tower using pipe cleaners, but you don't think it is going to work. What can you do and how do you make sure you're heard?
Tell him how you feel, call his name before speaking, watch his body language to make sure he heard you, etc.
What kind of nonverbal language is important to use when having a conversation?
Eye contact and facial expression
What would happen if you didn't learn to recognize and understand figurative language?
You would misinterpret what others or saying - think people are serious when they are not
A friend tells you that their pet dog ran away over the weekend. What could you say in response?
Answers may vary
- I'm so sorry that happened
- Did you find it?
Susy bumps into Lucy in the hallway, causing her to drop all of her books. Lucy says nothing and quietly picks up her books. What kind of communication did she use? What could she do differently?
Passive; Ask Susy to help her
What would happen if you tried to do your task along with everyone else's in the group?
Nothing would get done, you may feel upset or overwhelmed, etc.
While talking about his science project, Jose noticed that his classmate kept looking around the room and checking his watch. Jose kept talking about how he came up with the idea for his project. What is the classmate's body language tell you? What did Jose do wrong?
Classmates needs to leave or is busy. Jose should stop talking
It is very cold outside. Your mom walks in and says, "Wow, I might need to turn on the air conditioning if this keeps up!". Was she being serious or sarcastic?
Sarcastic
Why should comments be more than one word?
It keeps the conversation going and more balanced
If you are nervous to ask a teacher for help in the middle of a class, what could you do?
Message/email them, ask before/after class, etc.
How can you be a good leader in a group?
Listen to everyone, know all of the steps, solve problems, respect everyone's feelings
Why nonverbal language just as important as the words people say?
Sometimes people communicate more with their body language
Your brother painted a picture at school that you are very impressed with. You say, "I think you could be an artist!". Are you being serious or sarcastic?
Serious
Name three subjects that would be appropriate for small talk
Weather, classes, sports, weekend plans, etc.
You ask someone to the school dance and they tell you they are already going with someone else. What could you say in response?
Answers may vary
- That's okay, maybe next time
- Sorry to hear that
One of your group members is sitting at the table quietly and not contributing to the project. How do you get them involved?
Ask what they think
Give them a job
Use your body language to demonstrate someone feeling confused.
Answers may vary
Your neighbor has a chihuahua that weighs 3lbs. You see them out on a walk and your neighbor says to you, "Watch out! She might run you over!". Is your neighbor being serious or sarcastic?
Sarcastic