Effective Conversation Skills

Effective Conversation Skills

Read each section carefully and answer the questions to demonstrate your understanding of effective conversation skills.

Active listening is a crucial part of any good conversation. It means fully concentrating on what is being said rather than just passively hearing the message of the speaker. Active listening involves paying attention to both verbal and non-verbal cues, and showing the speaker that you are engaged. This can include nodding, making eye contact, and offering verbal affirmations like 'I see' or 'Uh-huh'.

1. Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of active listening?

Complete the sentences below using your knowledge of good conversation etiquette.

2. When someone else is speaking, it's important to allow them to finish their thoughts before you  .

3. If you don't understand something, you should always   to get more information.

4. Good conversations involve a balance of speaking and  .

5. Imagine your friend says, 'I had the worst day at school!' What is a clarifying question you could ask to show you are actively listening and want to understand more?

Read each statement and indicate whether it is true or false.

6. It is polite to look at your phone while someone is talking to you.

7. Paraphrasing what someone said shows that you were paying attention.

Use the words in the bank to complete the sentences about non-verbal conversation cues.

8. Maintaining good   shows respect and engagement.

9. Your   can reveal if you are interested or bored.

10. Smiling and other positive   can make a conversation more pleasant.

11. Think about a recent conversation you had. What is one thing you did well, and one thing you could improve to be a better conversationalist?