Conversation Starters Warm-Up

Today we’ll warm up by practicing greetings and small-talk. Choose two of the prompts below and have a brief 1–2 minute exchange with your partner (the teacher). Then write or draw your practice below.

1. How was your day today?
2. What did you do last weekend?
3. What is your favorite hobby or activity?
4. Tell me about someone in your family.
5. What is your favorite food? Why?
6. What movie or TV show do you like best?
7. Have you read or watched anything interesting lately?
8. What kind of music do you enjoy?

Prompt 1: _______________________________

Your greeting / question:

Partner’s reply:

Prompt 2: _______________________________

Your greeting / question:

Partner’s reply:

When you finish, think about:

• Did you wait for the other person to finish speaking before you talked?
• Did you make eye contact or nod to show you’re listening?
• Was your topic friendly and easy to talk about?

Be ready to share one thing you did well and one thing you want to practice next time!

Conversational Do’s and Don’ts Reading

Talking with friends and family can be fun and easy when you know what to do—and what to avoid. Use these simple tips to make your conversations positive and comfortable.

Do’s

• Choose friendly topics: Talk about hobbies, favorite foods, movies, music, or weekend plans.
• Take turns speaking: Wait until the other person finishes a thought before you begin.
• Use positive body language: Make eye contact, nod your head, and smile.
• Show interest with questions: Ask “Can you tell me more?” or “How did that make you feel?”
• Keep your voice clear and calm: Speak at a normal volume and pace.

Don’ts

• Avoid sensitive topics unless the person brings them up (e.g., money, health, religion).
• Don’t interrupt: Let the speaker finish their sentence before you talk.
• Don’t look away or check your phone—this can seem rude.
• Avoid talking over others or changing the subject abruptly.

How to Take Turns

Watch for these signals that your partner has finished talking:

• A natural pause at the end of a sentence.
• Making eye contact and waiting for your response.
• Asking, “What do you think?” or “Does that make sense?”

When you notice these cues, it’s your turn to share your thoughts.

How to Show You’re Listening

• Nod your head to show you understand.
• Use short phrases: “I see,” “That’s interesting,” or “Tell me more.”
• Face the speaker and keep an open posture.
• Ask follow-up questions to learn more.

By practicing these do’s and don’ts, you’ll build better conversations and stronger relationships with friends and family.

Speaking and Listening Worksheet

Use this worksheet to reflect on each role-play and your conversation skills.

Role-Play Scenario 1: Talking About Weekend Plans

1. Who spoke first?

1. How did you show you were listening?

1. Was the topic appropriate? Why?

Role-Play Scenario 2: Asking About a Family Member

1. Who spoke first?

1. How did you show you were listening?

1. Was the topic appropriate? Why?

Reflection

1. One thing I did well in these conversations:

1. One thing I want to improve next time:

Be ready to discuss your answers and plan one strategy to practice at home!

Conversation Reflection Discussion

Use this discussion to reflect on what you’ve learned, share your thoughts, and plan how to use these conversational skills in real life. Encourage open, respectful dialogue and active listening as you answer the questions below.

Guidelines for Discussion

• Speak one at a time and wait for a natural pause before adding your thoughts.
• Use positive body language: make eye contact, nod, and smile.
• Listen fully when your discussion partner speaks—show you’re listening with short phrases like “I see” or “That’s interesting.”
• Be honest and supportive: this is a safe space to share successes and challenges.

Part 1: Reflecting on the Quiz and Practice

1. What question on the Conversation Skills Quiz did you find easiest? Why?

1. Which question or concept was most challenging? How could you practice it more?

1. Think about the Speaking and Listening Worksheet scenarios. In which role-play did you feel most confident? Which skill did you use?

1. Identify one thing you did well during your role-plays and one area you want to improve.• Did you wait for a natural pause before speaking?
   • Did you use a listening cue like “Tell me more”?

Part 2: Applying Skills to Real-Life Conversations

1. Think about a recent conversation with a friend or family member. What topic did you choose? Was it appropriate and why?

1. How will you signal to someone when it’s your turn to speak? Describe one verbal cue (e.g., “I’d like to add…”) and one body language cue.

1. List two specific strategies from the Conversational Do’s and Don’ts Reading that you’ll practice at home.

1. Plan a short role-play to practice with a friend or family member:• Choose a friendly topic (hobby, weekend plans, favorite food).
   • Decide who will start speaking.
   • Agree on listening cues you’ll use.

1. When and where will you schedule this practice? Write down a time or day and who will join you.

Follow-Up Questions

• After your home practice, what felt easier or more natural?
• What will you continue to practice in our next check-in?
• How did using body language cues (eye contact, nodding) change the conversation?

Be ready to share your responses and experiences in our next session!