Two-Way Conversations
Should we ask open-ended or closed-ended questions?
Open-ended questions
Is it a good idea to tell others about how smart we are or how much money we make?
No, because bragging can make others uncomfortable or feel bad.
Why is it not a good idea to stare at someone when you are talking to them?
It makes them uncomfortable.
Should we talk about the same things over and over again?
No.
How close/far should you stand when talking to someone?
An arm's length away
What happens when you speak too loudly?
The other person mat get annoyed or bothered.
Why is it important to listen during conversations?
It shows that you care about them and that you are interested in what they are talking about.
What happens when we ask too many close-ended questions?
We become an interviewer and nobody likes an interviewer.
What happens when we stand too close to someone?
It makes people feel uncomfortable.
You stumble across your friends talking about going out to dinner with some of their primary school friends. What is an open-ended question you can ask?
Hilary and Pam to judge.
What happens when we stand too far to someone?
It makes it hard for others to hear and we are also not showing that our body is in the group.
What is it called when we point out other people's mistakes or criticise them?
Policing and we should not do this.
So you are talking to someone you have met and they said, "My feet really stink at the end of the day". Is this appropriate and why?
No, because it's too personal and it will make other people uncomfortable.
What happens when you speak too quietly? (Looking for two answers)
It makes it hard for others to hear and understand us.
It may give the impression that you are shy or depressed.
You got a PS5 for your birthday and you know none of your friends have bought it yet. You really want to tell them about it so you spend all of lunch talking about it. What are you doing and is it a good idea?
You are bragging and bragging is not a good idea because it makes other people uncomfortable.
You have a friend that you share one class with and they frequently make mistakes. You want to help them so you point out all of their mistakes and give them the right answer. What are you doing and is it a good idea?
You are policing and it is not a good idea because it makes you look like a know it all and it can be embarrassing and annoying for the other person.
What are the five components of trading information?
- Ask about the other person
- Answer your own questions
- Find common interests
- Share the conversation
- Do not get too personal at first
You are hanging out with some close friends and start chatting about the weekend. One of them says, "Remember that time you fell on your face?" Is this appropriate and why?
Yes, banter between close friends is appropriate. It's meant to be playful but can be risky. So you should not tease/banter with people you have just met.
You tell your friend that you like Korean cuisine and your friend says, "Japanese cuisine is better" and refuses to continue the conversation. What is your friend doing and why should they do that?
Your friend is being argumentative and we should not do this because it can be seen as aggressive or rude. Just because you do not agree with someone does not mean you have to point it out.
Tell me five things that we should or should not do when having two-way conversations.
- Trade information
- Don't be repetitive
- Listen
- Ask open-ended questions
- Don't brag
- Don't be argumentative
- Don't police
- Don't tease
- Use good volume control
- Use good body boundaries
- Use good eye contact