Conversation Skills: Keep it Going

Ways to Respond in a Conversation: WITH FEEDBACK QUESTIONS ANSWERS

How To Give Feedback: Comment on the conversation: I was at that party too I didn’t know that That’s awesome. WOW!

How is he responding: question, feedback, or answer? Did you have fun at the party? Yes! Do you have a piece of gum? No, Sorry.

How is he responding: question, feedback, or answer What movie did you watch last night? Star Wars I just finished reading the last Harry Potter book! Oh Wow, awesome, I’m reading the 6 th now.

How is he responding: question, feedback, or answer? I was playing Halo for hours last night. Halo is awesome! I saw Jan the other day. I saw her too! She was at the concert.

How is he responding: question, feedback, or answer? I’m exhausted! Were you up late last night? I love basketball Are you going to the game tonight?

Are you doin’ anything after school? Just home- work. How about you? How is he responding: question, feedback, or answer?

I love Science class this year. Me too! Did you do that homework? How is she responding: question, feedback, answer?

Take Turns – Stay on Topic  Wait for a pause – don’t interrupt  Don’t talk too long – stop and give the other person a chance to talk  Same topic for several turns  Ask follow up questions

Follow Up Questions  “Who…”  “What…”  “Where…”  “When…”  “Why…”  “How…”

Let’s Practice 1  “A” – Choose a topic card  “A” – Start a conversation with a comment or question on the topic  “B” – Respond with questions, answers, or feedback  “A and B” Keep It Going Who? What? Where? When? Why? How?

Shift Topics  When you think you are both finished talking about a topic: Use a transition phrase Speaking of… By the way… That reminds me….

Let’s Practice 2  “B” – choose a “shift topic card”  “B” – ask a question or make a comment about the topic  “A” – respond to “B”  “A and B” – continue conversation on topic for 2 or 3 turns  “A” – shift to the next topic using a transition phrase  “A and B” – continue conversation for 2 or 3 turns Transition Phrases: “By the way…” “Speaking of …” “That reminds me…”

Ending a Conversation  Ask one more follow up question or make one more on-topic comment  Use an “ending” statement such as: “Well, I have to get going” “Gotta get to class”  Say “bye” or “see you later”

Let’s Practice 3  “A” – begin a conversation of a topic of your choice  “B” – respond to “A”  “A and B” continue conversation for 2 or 3 turns  “B” – end the conversation using an “ending” phrase Ending Phrases: “I’ve gotta go” “Well, I’ll see ya later” “Sorry, I’ve got to get going”

So, what do you think? Why are conversations important to friendships?

Conversation Skills: Keep it Going!  Take turns  Stay on topic  Use questions, feedback, and answers  Use combinations-mix it up  Use transition phrases to shift topics  Use an “ending” statement when you finish a conversation “Social Power” Point