Leadership - Journeyman Week 1

This week we are going to be studying the art of conversation with the end goal of becoming confident conversation starters with a knowledge of the types of questions that keep a conversation alive and interesting! 

Do ALL 5 tasks numbered below, in order! :) 

Study/Learn

1)Before you watch the following two videos I want you to open your commonplace book and write down answers to these questions:

What has worked for me in the past as a good conversation starter?

What would I consider to be 5 tips for creating a quality conversation? (we're going to generally define "quality conversation" as an interaction that was uplifting and not-awkward/uncomfortable. This means even small talk with a cashier could be a quality conversation but so could an awesome in-depth convo with your best friend)

2)Watch this video and take notes in your commonplace book - notice how she compares being a great interviewer to being a great conversationalist. 

3)Watch this video and add to your notes on conversation skills. 

You should now have a good idea of what your conversation strengths are and have hopefully learned a new tip or two for improving your own conversation skills. With this knowledge I want you to ask yourself -- what about this topic is still a source of apprehension/lack of knowledge for you? Is it talking to a stranger? Starting up a conversation in a group setting? Talking to someone of the opposite gender? Overcoming anxiety around conversation? Do you wonder how to be approachable and invite conversation with body language? Know what you want to know more about? Go on to #4

4)I want you to do your own research in regards to your own conversation hurdle and come prepared to share a new tip with us in class that you learn from your research. Everyone will be sharing at least ONE NEW TIP with the entire class that they learned from their extra study.

Know/Understand

Book learning will only take you so far, the best way to become great at conversation is to start practicing and practice every chance you get! 

5)You need to start up a conversation with a stranger or a person that you don't know well at all. This could be a neighbor, a cashier, a person in your YM/YW class that you don't normally talk to. Stretch yourself! Come prepared to share about your experience in class.