Conversation#1

You’re at a club meeting where you don’t know anyone. The group is discussing a project you’re interested in. What is the most effective way to initiate a conversation with a small group already talking?

• Wait silently until someone notices you and invites you in

• Approach the group, listen for a moment, then say, “Hi, I’m new here. I’m really interested in this project—can I join your discussion?”

• Interrupt with your own opinion about the project

• Stand nearby and hope someone introduces you

During a group project, one member dominates the conversation while another stays silent. What is the best way to encourage balanced speaking and listening?

• Let the dominant person continue since they seem confident

• Directly ask the quieter member for their thoughts, e.g., “What do you think about this idea, Alex?”

• Ignore the quieter member and focus on your own ideas

• Wait for the teacher to intervene

You’re having a conversation with a classmate who seems distracted, checking their phone often. What is the best active listening technique to re-engage them?

• Continue talking as if nothing is wrong

• Pause, make eye contact, and ask, “Is this a good time to talk?”

• Start talking louder to get their attention

• Walk away without saying anything

A friend is telling you about a problem they’re having at home. How can you maintain topic relevance and show support?

• Change the subject to something more positive

• Ask, “How has that been affecting you lately?” and listen carefully

• Start talking about your own family problems

• Give advice immediately without asking questions

At a community event, you want to engage with someone you’ve never met who seems shy. What is the most effective approach?

• Approach them and say, “Hi, I don’t think we’ve met. What brings you here today?”

• Wait for them to approach you

• Join a different group instead

• Ask them a series of yes/no questions

You notice during a conversation that your friend keeps glancing at the clock and giving short answers. What is the most reciprocal communication strategy in this situation?

• Keep talking about your topic until they leave

• Pause and ask, “Is now a good time to talk, or should we catch up later?”

• Ignore their behavior and continue

• End the conversation abruptly

You’re discussing a group project and someone mentions a challenge they faced. Which follow-up question best demonstrates your engagement?

• “Why did you do it that way?”

• “What did you try to overcome that challenge?”

• “Did you finish the project?”

• “Was it hard?”

A classmate shares an idea you don’t fully understand. What is the best way to show active listening and clarify their point?

• Nod and pretend you understand

• Say, “Can you explain that a bit more? I want to make sure I get it.”

• Change the subject

• Disagree immediately

During a conversation, someone crosses their arms, avoids eye contact, and gives brief responses. What is the most appropriate response?

• Continue as usual

• Gently ask, “Is everything okay? You seem a bit distracted.”

• Ignore their body language

• End the conversation without explanation

You feel nervous about starting conversations at a new club. Which real-life strategy can help reduce your social anxiety over time?

• Avoid going to the club

• Set a goal to introduce yourself to one new person each meeting and reflect on what went well

• Wait for others to approach you

• Only talk to people you already know