Practice contributing to discussions by:

• Looking at the people who are talking.
• Waiting for a point when no one else is talking.
• Making a short, appropriate comment that relates to the topic being discussed.
• Choosing works that will not be offensive or confusing to others.
• Giving other people a chance to talk.

Practice keeping the conversation going by:

• Maintaining a relaxed but attentive posture.  Nod your head to give ongoing encouragement.
• Asking follow-up questions that pertain to what the other person has just said.
• Avoiding fidgeting, looking away or yawning.
• Not interrupting
• Taking turns in the conversation and saying excuse me when interruption of others occurs

Closing the conversation by:

• Changing topics only when everyone appears to be finished talking about a particular issue.
• Changing to a topic that somehow relates to the previous one.
• Allowing everyone a chance to talk about the current topic.
• Waiting for a comfortable break in the conversation to leave.

For more pediatric tips, log on to www.boystownpediatrics.org.