Initiating Conversation
What are the 2W’s of small talk?
The weather and the weekend
Give an example of body language. What does it tell us?
:)
What are 2 ways we can keep the conversation going (general)?
Make comments and ask questions
What are 3 benefits to improving communication skills?
- Helps us connect with others
- Allows us to share our voice
- Supports our understanding of social cues
- Helps us solve conflicts with others
What are the 2 common end points of a conversation?
Time is up
Conversation partner is checking out
Other than the 2W’s, what are some ways to initiate a conversation with new people?
Examples: Give a complement, make a comment on/ ask about a shared context, fish for a common interest
You go up to a friend and talk about how easy the math test was. You noticed that your friend responds by remaining silent. She squints her eyes and furrows her brows. What might your friend be feeling, thinking, and communicating with that expression.
Your friend disagrees with how easy the test was or may be annoyed with what you are saying since they think the math test was hard.
Name one of the types of questions you can use to keep the conversation going
Examples: Follow up questions, repetitive question, clarification question, open-ended question, closed-ended question
How might you communicate with someone who keeps tapping their pencil and it's annoying you as you try to work.
- Ask the person to stop politely
- Be mindful of the environment you are in (e.g., library, classroom). You might whisper or talk to the person one-on-one instead of communicating out loud for everyone to hear.
Give an example of a closing social greeting
Example: Bye, see you later, have a great day
Give an example of how to initiate a conversation by giving a compliment
Examples: ‘Hey, I love your shoes. Where did you get them?’
True or false; The first thing you should do in an argument is explain your side of events;
False: First you should keep your cool, listen to the other person, repeat what they said
Your friend is telling you about a TV show they are watching. Give an example of an open ended question you can ask to keep the conversation going.
Example: ‘What do you like most about the show so far?’
True or False:
There is no right or wrong. An opinion is your own personal view or judgment about something.
True
Your friend is telling you about the hamster they just got. Close the conversation by reflecting on what was just discussed.
Example: ‘Thank you for telling me about your hamster, I’m so excited for you!’
Give an example of how to initiate a conversation by commenting on a common interest
Example: ‘Hey, I love the band on your t-shirt. Their music is awesome!’
What are some examples of keeping your cool in an argument?
Examples: take a deep breath, step away
Your friend is telling you about a new game they played at a board game cafe recently. Give an example of a closed ended question you can ask them.
Example: ‘Did you enjoy playing the game?’, ‘Would you recommend the game?’
Megan is standing in the hallway with her hands on her hips and tapping her foot. What might Megan's body language be communicating?
- Waiting for someone who might be late
- Might be annoyed at the person she is talking to
Your friend is telling you about the dog they just got. Close the conversation by making a future comment.
Example: I'm going to have to come over and see your dog soon! Maybe sometime next week?’
You and your friend are in the hallway at school. You both have a math test today. Give an example of how to initiate a conversation by commenting on/ asking about a shared context.
Example: ‘Hey, are you ready for the math test this afternoon?’
What are some ways to solve the problem during an argument?
Examples: Tell your conversation partner what they did differently, ask them what they want you to do
Your co-worker is telling you about how she went downtown this weekend. Give an example of a ‘personal experience’ comment you can make to keep the conversation going.
Example: ‘Nice, I love going downtown and walking by the water”
Tony is upset when his friend invites him to hang out but never ends up texting him back.
How will Tony form an I statement to share his emotions?
Hint: "I feel (your emotions) when (situation or event) because (your thoughts)"
"I feel upset when I never got a text back to confirm when we are hanging out because I was really forward to it."
You’re talking with your aunt about starting school again soon. You have to catch the bus home. End the conversation.
Example: ‘It was so nice talking with you. I have to catch the bus to get home but hopefully we can talk soon!’