Convo 101
What is a conversation?
When two or more people share information or ideas by asking questions or using comments.
Your friend says: "I like ice cream"
What could you say to keep the conversation going?
Ex. I like ice cream too! My favorite is chocolate.
Your friend says: "Woo! It's the weekend"
What could you say to keep the conversation going?
Ex. I know! I'm so excited. Do you have any plans?
You don't feel like having a conversation, and need some space.
A teacher walks by and says: "Hey Ann, so good to see you!"
What could you say to be polite but get out of the conversation?
Ex. Hi
Ex. I really enjoy camping, we went three times this summer! Do you like to camp?
It is clear your communication partner doesn't understand what you said. What do you do?
I can repeat myself or ask if they need me to say it a different way
Your friend says: "It was nice spending time with you yesterday"
What could you say to keep the conversation going?
Ex. I enjoyed it too. Would you like to do it again soon?
Your friend says: "My dog ran away, and I'm really upset"
What could you say to keep the conversation going?
Ex. I'm so sorry. Can I help you look for him?
You don't feel like having a conversation, and need some space.
Your classmate asks you what to do on an assignment, but you are busy and there are clear instructions on the assignment.
What could you say to be polite but get out of the conversation?
Ex. I'm in the middle of something, but if you look at the top of the page I think the instructions will help you
Start a conversation: the topic is vacation
Ex. Do you have any fun trips planned? Where are you going to go?
What is fleeting eye contact?
Fleeting eye contact is when you glance at your communication partner and away to show interest (you can look at their forehead instead of their eyes!)
Your friend says: "I'm feeling really tired today. I can't wait to be done with class."
What could you say to keep the conversation going?
Ex. I'm sorry you're feeling tired. What are you going to do when you are done with class?
Your friend says: "I don't really like Sonic"
What could you say to keep the conversation going?
Ex. Oh. I like it, but that's okay that you don't. Why don't you like it?
You don't feel like having a conversation, and need some space.
You have a headache, and this person keeps trying to talk with you.
What could you say to be polite but get out of the conversation?
Ex. I'm sorry, I have a bad headache. Can we chat later?
Start a conversation: You feel upset because a kid at school is being mean to you.
Ex. I really don't like what you're saying about me. Either be nice or give me some space.
What happens to the conversation if I only respond with short responses?
It ends or is difficult to continue
Your friend says: "I really want to be friends with Jason but I don't know what to do."
What could you say to keep the conversation going?
Ex. You could find out what you and him like to do or are interested in.
Your friend says: "My grandmother is sick. I have to go to Billings to visit her this weekend."
What could you say to keep the conversation going?
Ex. That's not good. I hope she's okay!
You don't feel like having a conversation, and need some space.
You had a tough weekend at home, and a teacher wants to have a conversation "Dan, how was your weekend?"
What could you say to be polite but get out of the conversation?
Ex. Thanks for asking, but I'm not really in the mood to chat right now.
Start a conversation: A group member isn't doing their fair share, and you want to talk to them about it.
Ex. Hey, I'm feeling like I need more help with this project. Can you start doing more research?
When you ask questions about a topic to learn more of clarify something, what does that show?
Interest
Your friend says: "I get to do something awesome this weekend!"
What could you say to keep the conversation going?
Ex. That sounds great! What are you going to do?
Your friend says: "I'm feeling really sad today because my dog ran away."
What could you say to keep the conversation going?
Ex. I'm so sorry. I hope you can find your dog soon.
You don't feel like having a conversation, and need some space.
Your friend: "I went and saw a movie this weekend! It was amazing!
What could you say to be polite but get out of the conversation?
Ex. That sounds great! Hey, I have to get going but let's talk later.
Start a conversation: You accidentally said something that hurt a classmate's feelings.
Ex. I'm sorry I hurt your feelings. You probably feel upset. Next time, I'll think about what I am saying before I say it.