Conversation Skills Lesson Plan Mastering Conversation Skills
Facilitator Guide | 11th Grade Social Skills
30 MINS
Learning Objective
Students will learn to initiate and sustain socially appropriate conversations with peers through instructional video analysis and experiential role-play.
Approach
Experiential Learning Active Learning Collaborative
Why This Lesson?
"For 11th-grade students with autism, the transition to post-secondary environments requires refined social communication. Mastering the art of the 'small talk' and sustained interaction fosters the relationships necessary for academic and professional success."
Materials Checklist
Slide Deck: How to Break the Ice
Video: Conversation Tips
Discussion Worksheets
Role-Play Scenario Cards
Instructional Sequence
5m
Intro
Introduction & Hook
Facilitate a brief discussion on why conversation skills matter for 11th graders (jobs, friendships, networking).
Set the stage for the video "How to Break the Ice."
6m
Watch
Video Viewing
Watch the instructional video together.
Pro-Tip: Encourage students to jot down one specific phrase or "icebreaker" they liked.
7m
Talk
Guided Discussion
Use the Discussion Questions worksheet to process the video.
Focus on *application*: How do we do this in the cafeteria? In the hallway?
10m
Do
Role-Play Practice
Divide students into pairs. Hand out Scenario Cards.
Pairs practice initiating and sustaining for 2-3 minutes per scenario.
Rotate partners at least once to practice with different personalities.
2m
Exit
Closure & Recap
Recap the "Two-Question Rule" or other key tips from the video.
Challenge: Use one icebreaker today before leaving school.
Conversation Discussion Worksheet Discussion Guide
Mastering Conversation Skills: How to Break the Ice
Name:
Date:
Reflect on the video content and think about how these social tools can help you navigate school and future work settings.
1
What are three key tips or "takeaways" you learned from the video?
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•
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2
Think about your day tomorrow. Where is one place you could apply these tips? (e.g., cafeteria, locker area, club meeting)
3
Why is being a "Good Listener" just as important as knowing what to say?
Quick Tip: Active Listening Skills
Eye Contact (or look near)
Follow-up Questions
Non-verbal cues (nodding)
Conversation Scenarios Worksheet Social Scene Challenge
Practice your icebreakers and conversation-staying power.
1
CHOOSE A CARD
2
START THE CHAT
3
KEEP IT GOING (2+ MIN)
Scenario 1
New Classmate at Lunch
"You're sitting at your usual lunch table and someone you recognize from History class sits nearby. They are alone."
Try this opening:
"Hey, you're in my History class, right? What'd you think of that test?"
Scenario 2
Weekend Plans
"It's Friday afternoon. You're walking out of school with a friend you haven't talked to much this week."
Try this opening:
"Finally Friday! Doing anything fun this weekend?"
Scenario 3
Group Project Collab
"Your teacher just assigned groups. You need to coordinate with a peer to decide who does what part of the project."
Try this opening:
"Ready to tackle this? Which part do you want to handle first?"
Scenario 4
Teacher Office Hours
"You're confused about the homework. You need to approach your teacher before they start their next class."
Try this opening:
"Excuse me, Mr./Ms. _____, do you have a second? I had a quick question about the homework."
Scenario 5
Joining a Group Chat
"A group of classmates is talking about the school basketball game from last night. You were there and want to join in."
Try this opening:
"That game was wild! Did you see that last-second shot?"
Sustaining Tip: Use "Wh-" Questions (Who, What, Where, Why)
Leaving Tip: "I have to head to class now, catch you later!"
Conversation Skills Slides Mastering
Conversation Skills
11th Grade Social Skills Workshop
Today's Mission
1 Initiate
Learn socially appropriate ways to "break the ice" and start a new conversation.
2 Sustain
Practice keeping the conversation going using active listening and follow-up questions.
Why Conversation Skills?
Future Career
Interviewing, networking, and working in a team all require strong social tools.
Better Relationships
Sustained conversations are the foundation of deep and lasting friendships.
Confidence
Knowing *how* to talk reduces anxiety in social settings.
How to Break the Ice
Watch the video carefully and look for three specific tips for starting a conversation.
Video Link:
woburnps.lennylearning.org/view/how-to-break-the-ice
Key Video Takeaways
The Icebreaker
Start with a comment about your shared environment or a friendly greeting.
The Two-Question Rule
Ask a follow-up question before sharing your own story to show interest.
Active Listening
Nod, maintain eye contact (or look near), and respond to what they actually said.
Where could you use these
tips at school tomorrow?
Think: Cafeteria, Locker area, Bus, Club meetings...
Why is being a good listener
half the battle?
"Most people don't listen with the intent to understand; they listen with the intent to reply."
Role-Play Challenge
1
Partner Up
2
Pick a Scenario Card
3
Chat for 2 Minutes
Goal
Try to use at least one icebreaker and two follow-up questions before the timer goes off!
Your Challenge
Before the end of the day, use one conversation starter with someone you don't usually talk to.
You've got this!
