Table Topics
Mind-stretching brain games and conversation starters. It's the perfect opportunity for sharing stories, building knowledge, strengthening character, and having fun!
Most people have heard that asking open-ended questions is the best way to encourage conversation. That means asking questions that require more than a yes or no answer. If you ask someone, "Did you have a good day?" that person can answer yes or no or simply shrug. However if you ask, "Tell me something interesting that happened to you today." you might get an answer that really opens up a conversation. "Today was our field trip to the museum." Lots of things to talk about now!
One more tip on asking questions-don't ask questions that are in the form of an assumed answer. Here is an example using two co-workers as one of them comes in late for work.
"Good morning, sleepy-head. Did you forget to set your alarm?"
"No, I got a phone call that my father has been hospitalized after a heart attack and I've been comforting my mother."
Oops!
What was the best thing that happened to me today? Hmm..
Read another issue of Table Topics
Direct Opposites
Play a round robin game. The first person names an animal and the sound that it makes. Then the same player names a second animal, but gives the wrong answer for the sound that it makes. The next player must say the name of the animal that really belongs to the previous sound, and then give another incorrect response.
Player One: Cows moo, but dogs trumpet.
Player Two: Elephants trumpet, but pigs meow
Player Three: Cats meow, but horses squeal
Remember to adapt the challenge to the skill-level of the next player.
