Entering a conversation
How many people are in an individual conversation?
2
Out of 10 conversations that you try to enter, about how many will you NOT be accepted?
5 or 50%
What is a common interest?
Something that you have in common with another person.
You want to talk to a group of people who are talking about school. You enter the group and start talking about a movie you saw on Saturday. Appropriate or Not Appropriate? Why?
Not appropriate. When entering a conversation, always stick to the topic being discussed by the group. Once you have been accepted into the conversation, wait for a pause before changing the subject.
How many people (at least) need to be involved in a group conversation?
3
How can you tell when someone is interested in talking to you?
Eye contact
Body facing you
Talking to you/asking questions
What is an example of a cover story for exiting a conversation?
I have homework to do.
It is time for me to go to bed.
I have to eat dinner.
My mom needs me.
What is a prop?
Something that you use to help you look distracted when trying to enter a conversation.
You notice a new student in your class who is reading a book about Pokemon. You also like Pokemon, so you approach the new student and talk to him about Pokemon. Appropriate or Not Appropriate? Why?
Appropriate. When trying to start a conversation with someone you don't know, always look for a common interest to begin the conversation.
Give me two examples of props.
Ipad
Phone
Book
Paper
Fidget, etc.
Why is it important to find a common interest when trying to start or join in a conversation?
So that you have something to talk about that interests everyone involved.
What should you always say before you exit a conversation?
Good bye!
See ya later!
Nice talking to you!
What is a cover story?
A reason or excuse for entering or exiting a conversation.
You try to enter a group conversation and the group does not accept you. You continue to stand outside of the group, looking at them. Appropriate or Not Appropriate? Why?
Not appropriate. It is ok if you are not accepted into a conversation. When you have figured out that you are not welcome, do not continue to stand outside of the group and stare. Follow the rules for exiting, which is to turn your eyes and body away from the person/group and walk away.
Give me an example of something that you might have a common with a peer.
School
Homework
Video Games
TV shows
Why is it important to wait for a break/pause in the conversation before entering?
Because it you don't wait for a break/pause, then it is considered interrupting, and it is rude. People may not want to talk to you if you interrupt.
If you are not accepted into a conversation, what does it mean to "keep your cool?"
It means to be calm, don't get upset, and try again with another group/person.
What is body language?
It's the way people use their body to tell someone how they are feeling, without using words. For example, if someone is upset, they may have their hands over their face. If someone is angry, they may stomp their foot or make a fist.
When accepted into a conversation, you continue to talk and talk, without allowing anyone else to speak. Appropriate or Not Appropriate? Why?
Not appropriate. When you are accepted into a conversation, allow others to speak. It is important to share/exchange information with people during a conversation. You don't want to be a conversation hog!
Give me a reason why you might not be accepted into a conversation.
The person/people were talking about something personal.
Maybe the person/people aren't nice and don't want to include new people into the conversation.
Do you always have to introduce yourself when entering a conversation?
No. If you already know the person or group of people, you do not need to introduce yourself. You should only introduce yourself, if you are meeting someone new and that person or group is interested in having you join in their conversation.
Why is it important to wait for a break/pause in the conversation when trying to exit a conversation?
Because just like when entering a conversation, you need to wait for a pause to give your cover story for leaving. If you leave without a cover story and just walk away, people will think that is strange and may not want to talk to you again. Also, if you want to give a cover story and interrupt someone talking, that would be rude and the person/group may not want to talk to you again.
What is a peer?
Someone of your age or close to your age that has similar life experiences. For example, your peer would be a middle school student, not a teacher.
You are at a party with a lot of your classmates. You try to enter a conversation, but the group does not welcome you. Instead of getting upset, you look for another group/individual to talk with. Appropriate or Not Appropriate? Why?
Totally appropriate! It is ok if you are not accepted into a conversation. Don't give up! Look for another person/group to talk to.
What should you do if you are first accepted into a conversation and then not accepted? How would you exit?
Sometimes this happens...you would still follow the same rules as exiting a conversation when accepted. You would wait for a pause, give a cover story, say goodbye and then walk away.