The Pattern of Conversation

The Pattern of Conversation

Questions Answers Comments

1

2

A comment is a verbal remark, opinion, and/or criticism. A comment is providing additional information to a conversation.

Comment Starter Examples:

I… I think…. I like…. My favorite….

I love… I wonder…. That is… This is...

The Pattern of ConversationQuestions, Answers, and Comments

Taking Turns and Staying on Topic

Helps you to Pay Attention to the Speaker and the Listener

In a conversation, when you….

• Take turns• Stay on topic• Pay attention

You FEEL GOOD because this skill helps you to…

Make and Keep Friends Get What You Need

Taking Turns and Staying on Topic Handout

“Knowing how to communicate with people in the right context for a given situation is an important skill, asthere are often unspoken rules and standards that are just expected.”

Adapted from Skills to Pay the Bills-Mastering Soft Skills for Workplace Success -Funded by ODEP

Your conversation should match where you are and who you are with.

Work

Hanging out with friends

Attending music class

How do you greet your friends?

Hanging out with friends

Work

How do you greet your co workers at work?

How do you greet your supervisor at work?

How would you greet your music instructor at the start of class?

Attending music class

Family

How do you greet your mom and dad?

Cousin

Friend

Friend

Cousin

SiblingAunts/Uncles

Father

Mother

ME

Social Network: Personal discussions should only be with those in your first two circles.

YES or NO

Can I talk aboutmy weight or the weight of my other co-workers in the workplace?

NO

YES or NOCan I ask my co-worker how much he makes and how much he spent on his new car in the workplace?

NO

YES or NO

Can I negatively talk about my customerswith my co-workers in the workplace?

NO

YES or NO

Can I ask my co-worker how long he has workedfor the company?

YES

WEIGHT

NEGATIVE COMMENTS ABOUT A PERSON/THINGS: HAIR, CLOTHES, SHOES, FOOD

MONEY

PERSONAL MATTERS

Personal Topics: Avoid discussing these topics in the workplace.

Personal Questions and Comments Handout

I learned different patterns of conversation. I learned about questions, answers, and comments. I learned the importance of taking turns and staying on topic. I learned that there are certain topics that should not be discussed in the workplace.

Anything else?

What did I learn from this activity?