Starting Conversations
What is a polite way to greet someone at school?
Good morning, Good afternoon, Hi my name is..., How is your day?, I hope you are having a great day!
What is a follow-up question you could ask after someone says, "I like gymnastics"?
"What do you like about gymnastics?"
"What is one skill you feel confident in performing?"
Name one way to show you're paying attention with your body.
Maintaining eye contact. Eye contact signals to the other person that you're focused on them and engaged in what they are saying.
What is one thing you could say if your friend is sad?
"I'm here for you, and if you want to talk, I'm ready to listen." This lets them know that they are not alone and that you are offering support without pushing them to open up before they're ready.
What's a polite way to end a conversation?
"It was really nice talking with you. I hope you have a great rest of your day!"
"I've enjoyed our chat! Let's catch up again soon."
"Thanks for sharing with me. I'll let you go now, but take care!"
"I've got to run, but it was great talking to you. Take care!"
Name one question you could ask a new classmate?
What is your name? How are you today? Where are you from?
True/False: It's okay to talk about yourself the whole time during a conversation?
False. Why is this answer false?
What does it mean if someone is looking away and crossing their arms?
If someone is looking away and crossing their arms, it can often mean they're feeling uncomfortable, defensive, or disengaged.
Why is it helpful to put yourself in someone else's shows?
It helps you understand their feelings, improves communication, strengthens relationships, reduces misunderstandings, and encourages kindness and patience.
True/False: It's okay to just walk away when you're done talking.
False. Doing so can be perceived as rude or dismissive.
True/False: Starting a conversation with "Did you see the game last night?" is a good way to connect with someone?
True. Starting a conversation by saying "Did you see the game last night?" is an excellent way to connect with someone, especially if they are interested in sports.
Give one example of a phrase that shows you're listening?
"I understand what you are saying." This shows that you are actively listening. It validates their feelings and acknowledges what they are talking about, making them feel heard.
How might someone look if they are feeling nervous?
Avoiding eye contact, fidgeting, sweating, tense posture, toughing their face or hair, picking or biting lips, pacing or shifting weight.
Give an example of how you can show kindness to a friend who is feeling left out.
"Hey, I noticed you seemed a little down earlier. How about we hang out this weekend?" This lets them know that you are aware of their feelings and want to make them feel included.
Give one example of a phrase you can say to leave a conversation kindly.
"It was really nice talking to you! I hope you have a great rest of your day."
Why is it important to use the person's name when starting a conversation?
Shows respect and acknowledgement and builds connection
If someone pauses during a conversation, what can you do to keep it going?
Ask a follow-up question: show interest by asking something related, like, "What happened next?" or "How did that make you feel?"
Acknowledge what they said: "That sounds really interesting, could you tell me more about that?"
Share a related thought or experience.
Use active listening cues: simple cues such as "Wow!" or "Really?"
Why is eye contact important when talking to someone?
It shows engagement, builds trust and connection, demonstrates confidence, helps you read emotions, and shows respect and politeness.
How might you respond if someone shares something they're proud of?
"Wow, that's amazing! You must have worked really hard on that -- congratulations!" This response celebrates their achievement and acknowledges their effort, showing genuine happiness for their success.
How do you know that it's time to end a conversation?
Lack of new topics, body language, short responses, pauses or silence, and polite hints.
How would you start a conversation with someone who looks like they are upset?
"I'm here if you want to talk about anything."
Why is it important to give the other person a chance to talk?
It shows respect and interest.
It builds connection.
It encourages openness.
It allows you to learn from their perspective.
It promotes healthy empathy.
If someone's smiling and nodding, what might that mean?
It often means they're engaged, interested, and in agreement with what's being said.
What does it mean to have empathy?
It means you are able to understand and share the feelings of another person. It's about putting yourself in their shoes and seeing things from their perspective, which allows you to connect with how they might be feeling.
Why is it important to end a conversation on a positive note?
Leaves a lasting impression, shows respect, fosters goodwill, promotes a pleasant experience, and sets the stage for future conversation.