Community Learning

Ever feel tongue tied and inadequate at a party, a work gathering or when you’re out with someone new? Learn skills to make your conversation like a game of tennis where both players win! Go home with increased confidence – and some great opening lines!

Course description

This course has been designed for people who would like to learn more about the art of conversation and will teach you how to develop the skills of conversation. Time is allowed for exercises, which have been designed to help you build your skill level in specific conversation techniques. You will learn to develop a positive attitude about meeting new people, making an introduction, keeping the conversation going, changing topics, interrupting and exiting.

Course content

Week 1

• introductions
• getting to know you
• goals for the course
• developing a positive attitude
• messages we give ourselves
• negative self-talk
• positive self talk

Week 2

• the “who” of an introduction
• the how of an introduction
• developing interesting openings
• keeping the conversation flowing
• mental cues
• body language
• open & closed questions

Week 3

• developing a topic portfolio
• changing topics in 3 easy steps
• pausers & talkers
• the art of interrupting

Week 4

• what to do when you’re stuck
• ‘exit stage right’
• strategies for moving on
• putting it all together
• practise, practise, practise

Important information

• If you are required to purchase extra materials for your class, please check the class viability with the organising office prior to making the purchase.
• Please ensure mobile phones are off or on silent before entering the classroom.
• Classes are NOT HELD ON PUBLIC HOLIDAYS unless otherwise advertised.
• Children must not accompany adults to Adult Education classes.

Medical condition & special needs

To help us make your experience in our classes as enjoyable as possible, we may need to make some adjustments or special arrangements. If you have a medical condition, an infectious disease, a disability or special needs that may affect your ability or other participants to safely or comfortably take part in a class, please complete the Personal Fitness and Special Needs Form and return to the closest administrative centre listed on the form. If you cannot access the form online, please contact the organising centre and a copy will be mailed to you.