Introduction

As educators, it is essential to teach students effective communication skills. One critical aspect of communication is understanding the difference between Conversation Drivers and Conversation Stoppers. Conversation Drivers help move a conversation forward, while Conversation Stoppers can bring it to an abrupt halt. In this blog post, we will introduce a no-prep activity called Two Sides, designed to help students identify and practice using Conversation Drivers and Stoppers. We will also provide discussion questions, mention related skills, and share resources for further exploration.

No-Prep Activity: Two Sides Game

In the Two Sides game, students will watch or listen to a conversation and identify whether the participants are using Conversation Drivers or Conversation Stoppers. This activity requires no preparation or materials from the educator, making it a convenient and engaging way to teach communication skills.

1. Divide the class into pairs or small groups.
2. Have each group come up with a conversation topic, such as movies, sports, or hobbies.
3. One student in each group will start the conversation by making a statement or asking a question related to the chosen topic.
4. The other student(s) will respond, either using a Conversation Driver or a Conversation Stopper.
5. After each response, the group should pause and discuss whether the response was a Driver or Stopper and why.
6. Continue the conversation, alternating between using Drivers and Stoppers, and discussing the outcomes.
7. After several rounds, have the groups switch topics and repeat the process.

Discussion Questions

1. Why is it important to use Conversation Drivers in our daily interactions?
2. What are some examples of Conversation Stoppers you’ve experienced, and how did they affect the conversation?
3. How can we practice using Conversation Drivers more consistently?
4. How do our body language and tone of voice contribute to effective communication?
5. What strategies can we use to transition from a Conversation Stopper to a Conversation Driver?

Related Skills

Teaching students about Conversation Drivers and Stoppers is just one aspect of developing their communication skills. Here are some other relevant skills to consider incorporating into your lessons:

• Active listening
• Nonverbal communication
• Asking open-ended questions
• Expressing empathy and understanding
• Resolving conflicts

Next Steps

Now that you’ve learned about the Two Sides game and its potential benefits for your students, we invite you to explore additional resources and sample materials to support your teaching of communication skills and other aspects of social-emotional learning. Visit Everyday Speech’s Sample Materials to access free samples and discover a variety of engaging activities and lessons designed to help students develop essential life skills. Don’t miss this opportunity to enhance your students’ learning experience and prepare them for success in their personal, academic, and professional lives.