Introduction

In the realm of social-emotional learning, effective communication plays a vital role in building and maintaining relationships. Conversation Drivers are behaviors that promote smooth and engaging conversations, while Conversation Stoppers are actions that hinder communication, making it uncomfortable or confusing for the participants. To foster healthy discussions, it is crucial to understand and practice Conversation Drivers such as maintaining eye contact, using appropriate body language, staying on topic, and ensuring that each participant has an equal share in the conversation.

No-Prep Activity: Conversation Tennis

A fun and interactive way to teach Conversation Drivers to your students is through a no-prep activity called “Conversation Tennis.” This game requires no additional materials or preparation and can be played in pairs or small groups.

Here’s how it works:

1. Have your students form pairs or small groups, sitting face-to-face.
2. Assign a topic for the conversation, or let the participants choose their own.
3. Explain that the objective is to maintain a conversation by using Conversation Drivers. Each time a participant speaks, they “serve” the conversation to the other person, who must “return” it by responding appropriately and using Conversation Drivers.
4. If a participant uses a Conversation Stopper, pause the game and discuss what happened. Encourage the group to identify the Conversation Stopper used and suggest a better way to continue the conversation using Conversation Drivers.
5. Resume the game and continue playing for a designated amount of time, or until the conversation flows smoothly using Conversation Drivers.

This activity helps students become more aware of their communication habits while practicing effective conversation skills in a fun and engaging manner.

Discussion Questions

• Why is it important to use Conversation Drivers during a discussion?
• Can you recall a time when you experienced a Conversation Stopper? How did it make you feel, and how did it affect the conversation?
• What are some strategies you can use to ensure that you are using Conversation Drivers during a discussion?
• How can practicing Conversation Drivers help improve your relationships and social interactions?
• How can you support your peers in using Conversation Drivers during group discussions or projects?

Related Skills

Besides Conversation Drivers, there are other relevant skills that contribute to effective communication and healthy social interactions. These include:

• Active Listening: Paying full attention to the speaker and demonstrating understanding through verbal and non-verbal cues.
• Empathy: Understanding and sharing the feelings of others, which helps create a supportive and compassionate environment for communication.
• Assertiveness: Expressing one’s thoughts and feelings openly and respectfully, without being aggressive or passive.
• Conflict Resolution: Identifying and resolving disagreements or misunderstandings through open communication, compromise, and collaboration.

Next Steps

Now that you understand the importance of Conversation Drivers and have explored a no-prep activity to practice these skills, consider incorporating more social-emotional learning resources into your teaching. To get started, sign up for free samples of the discussed skill and others at Everyday Speech. By consistently practicing and promoting effective communication skills, you can help your students develop strong social connections and succeed in various aspects of their lives.