TOPIC 1:

Ways to start talking to other people

Activities:

1. There are steps and ways that you need to follow when you want to start talking to other people. The steps to follow are:

A. Tell them who you are - introduce yourself.

B. Find things you both like or are interested in.

C. Talk about the things you both like or are interested in.

D. Be a good listener.

E. Stop talking when there is no more to say.

2. Review the following:

Sarah had just moved into a new apartment complex. Most of the people there were young and got together for a cookout and pool party on the first Saturday of every month. On the day she moved in, Sarah met her next door neighbor, Cynthia.

How could Sarah start talking with Cynthia by following the steps above? Develop some questions and statements that Sarah could use.

3. The steps to start talking to other people can be used with many different people. Review the following:

Raymond wanted to make an appointment with Mrs. Chelsy. Mrs. Chelsy is the manager of the company where he works. He was not getting along with his supervisor, Mr. Smith. Raymond felt that Mr. Smith was picking on him. Mr. Smith was always watching him at work and if it even looked like he was going to make a mistake, Mr. Smith came over and yelled that Raymond didn't know anything. Even when Raymond did the job right, Mr. Smith didn't seem satisfied. What really bothered Raymond was that Mr. Smith didn't treat any of the other employees like he treated him. Raymond decided he'd had enough and wanted Mrs. Chelsy to move him to another department and give him a different supervisor.

How should Raymond start talking to Mrs. Chelsy? Develop the questions and statements Raymond might use.

Assignments:

1. Describe how you would start talking with your boss to get an increase in pay.

2. Describe how you would start talking with an employer who might hire you for a job.

3. Describe how you would start talking with a new neighbor who you would like to get to know.