Talk Moves Slides
Every Voice Belongs Here
Talk Moves for
Powerful Conversations
Simple phrases and strategies to help you share your ideas with partners, groups, and the whole class.
1
Partner Talk
2
Small Groups
3
Whole Class
Conversation Playbook
The Four Key Moves
Add On
Connect your thought to what someone just said.
"Building on that idea, I also noticed..."
Clarify
Check if you understood or ask for more details.
"Do you mean that...? Could you say more?"
Polite Disagree
Offer a different view while respecting their point.
"I see it a bit differently because..."
Language Bridge
Use your home language or key terms to explain.
"In my language we say... which means..."
Tip: Choose just one move to try in today's lesson!
Setting 1 • Partner Talk
Brief Exchanges: Pair & Share
Talking About Reading
- "On page __, I noticed that..."
- "The author used the word __ to show..."
- "This reminds me of when..."
Talking About Writing
- "My strongest sentence is __ because..."
- "One part I want advice on is..."
- "What word would you use to describe...?"
Think Time Rule: Take 30 seconds of silent thinking before speaking with your partner.
Model in Action • Partner Talk
See It In Practice: Diego & Maya
Diego
"In the story, I think Elena left her home because she wanted to protect her family."
Starting with Text Evidence
Maya
"I agree with that. Building on your idea, she also packed the photograph, which proves she cares about them."
Move: Agree + Add On Details
Diego
"Great point! Should we share that evidence with the rest of the class?"
Move: Prepare to Share Out
Notice how Maya didn't just say "cool"—she added an exact detail from the text!
Setting 2 • Small-Group Discussion
Connecting With 3-4 Teammates
Connecting
Link your thought to someone who spoke earlier.
"Like [Name] said earlier, I think..."
"My idea connects to [Name]'s point about..."
Inviting
Open the door for classmates who haven't spoken.
"[Name], what do you think about that?"
"Would you like to share your idea next?"
Asking for Help
Ask your group to explain in another way.
"Can you explain that word with an example?"
"I'm not sure yet. Can you give me a minute?"
Pro tip: Asking for clarification is a sign of a strong thinker, not a weak one!
Setting 3 • Whole-Class Discussion
Low-Pressure Ways to Share
Share Your Partner's Idea
Less pressure than sharing your own
Sharing what your partner said takes the spotlight off you while lifting up your teammate!
"My partner [Name] pointed out that..."
"Together, [Name] and I agreed that..."
Nonverbal Hand Signals
Participate without speaking words
Use silent hand signs so the teacher and class know you are actively following along:
🤙 "Me too!" / Same thinking Silent Connection
✊ Fist on chest / Ready to share Ready Signal
Remember: You don't need perfect grammar to share brilliant ideas. Your perspective is valuable.
Ready for Today's Talk
Your Conversation Anchor Chart
Partner
"I noticed that..."
"I agree, and..."
"What do you think?"
Small Group
"Building on that..."
"Can you say more?"
"I see it differently..."
Whole Class
"My partner shared..."
"We concluded that..."
🤙 Silent connection
Goal for Today: Try 1 move during our next discussion!
