Social Skill 10: Having a Conversation

Following Instructions Accepting Criticism Accepting “No” for an Answer Staying Calm Disagreeing with Others Asking for Help Asking Permission Getting Along with Others Apologizing Having a Conversation Giving Compliments Accepting Compliments Listening to Others Being Honest Showing Sensitivity to Others Introducing Yourself Q & A for Parents

When you are talking with someone, you should:

1. Look at the other person.
2. Answer any questions the person asks, and give complete answers. Just saying “Yes” or “No” usually does not give the other person enough information to keep the conversation going.
3. Avoid negative statements. Talking about past trouble you were in, bragging, name-calling, or making other negative statements gives a bad impression.
4. Use appropriate grammar. Slang can be used with friends, but don’t use it when guests or people you don’t know very
   well are present.
5. Start or add to conversations by asking questions, talking about new or exciting events, or asking the other person what he or she thinks about something.

Reasons for using the skill, Having a Conversation: It is important to have good conversation skills because you can tell others what you think and get their opinions. Using this skill well makes new people you meet and guests feel more comfortable. Later in life, this skill will help you when you apply for and hold a job.

• Always include the other person’s ideas in the conversation. If you don’t, it won’t be a conversation!
• Smile and show interest in what the other person has to say, even if you don’t agree with the person.
• Keep up on current events so that you have a wide range of things to talk about. People who can talk about what’s happening and are good at conversation are usually well-liked and admired by other people.

Social Skill 11: Giving Compliments