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

answerWhat movie did you watch last night? Star

Wars

I just finished reading the last Harry

Potter book!

Oh Wow, awesome

, I’m reading the 6th now.

How is he responding: question, feedback, or

answer?I was playing

Halo for hours last

night. Halo is awesom

e!

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 basketba

llAre 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 homew

ork?

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 conversat

ions important

to friendship

s?

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