Effective Communication • Grade 11
Day 2 Lesson: Talk Show Bingo (Observe & Spot Conversation Strategies)
Today you’ll become a conversation detective. Your mission: watch (or listen to) a talk show-style conversation, catch real-life conversation strategies as they happen, and prove what you found using evidence.
What you will learn today
Conversations don’t “just happen.” Skilled speakers use small moves—called conversation strategies—to keep talk clear, respectful, and flowing. A talk show is a perfect place to study this because you can see how a host manages: turn-taking, topic shifts, clarification, repair, and more.
By the end of this lesson, you should be able to:
- Spot at least 8 conversation strategies in a talk show-style interaction.
- Support each strategy with evidence (a line, phrase, or action you heard/observed).
- Explain how the strategy helps the conversation stay respectful and understandable.
Reminder: today is about observing and identifying. Tomorrow you’ll move deeper into how strategies connect and how politeness markers shape meaning and tone.
Quick concept: What is a conversation strategy?
A conversation strategy is a deliberate move a speaker uses to manage interaction. It’s not just what you say, but how you guide the conversation: inviting someone to speak, asking follow-up questions, clarifying confusion, repairing misunderstandings, shifting topics smoothly, or closing politely.
Why strategies matter
- They prevent confusion and misinterpretation.
- They help people take turns without conflict.
- They show respect (especially during disagreement).
- They make the conversation coherent—ideas connect.
- They help conversations end smoothly and politely.
What “evidence” looks like
- Exact phrase: “So you mean…?”
- Paraphrase: “Host restated the guest’s idea in simpler words.”
- Action cue: “Host paused and invited the guest to continue.”
- Politeness marker (optional today): “Excuse me,” “I think,” “maybe,” “please.”
Strategy Bank (your Bingo targets)
Use the list below as your reference. These are student-friendly labels (with clearer meaning), designed so you can spot them quickly while watching. You do not need perfect academic terms today—accuracy + evidence matters most.
Recommendation: If your class is still building confidence, focus on the “core 10” first: Opening, Inviting a turn, Active listening cue, Follow-up question, Clarifying, Paraphrasing, Summarizing, Repair, Topic shift, Closing.
Your main activity: Talk Show Bingo
You will watch (or listen to) a talk show-style conversation twice. While watching, you will mark your Bingo card when you observe a strategy. But here’s the rule that makes you a real conversation analyst:
Every marked box must have evidence (a phrase/action you heard or saw). No evidence = no point.
How to play (simple rules)
- Get your Bingo card (5×5) and your Evidence Notes.
- During the first viewing, mark strategies you notice quickly. Don’t panic if you miss some.
- After the first viewing, compare evidence with a partner and correct weak claims.
- During the second viewing, focus on strategies you didn’t catch yet.
- Finish with a short exit ticket: strategy + evidence + purpose.
“Bingo” can mean one row, column, or diagonal. But your teacher may also score you based on accuracy and evidence, not who finishes first.
Bingo Card (copy this)
If your teacher did not print a card, copy the grid below in your notebook. Write the strategy labels inside boxes. The center is a FREE spot (you can mark it anytime).
Recommendation: Don’t stress about duplicates. In real talk shows, the same strategy happens many times. The duplicate boxes make it easier to complete a line while still focusing on evidence.
Evidence Notes (write this format)
Use the template below. You can write one line per Bingo box you mark. If you’re short on time, prioritize quality: fewer strategies with strong evidence is better than many strategies with weak evidence.
Strategy: ________________________________
Evidence (exact phrase/action): __________________________________________
Who used it? Host / Guest
Purpose (why it helped): ________________________________________________
Politeness marker (optional): ____________________________________________
Notice the last line: Politeness marker. You may add it when you hear polite words that soften meaning or show respect. You don’t need to catch politeness markers for every item today, but noticing them gives you an advantage for the next lesson.
What to listen for (student tips that actually work)
During the clip, your brain will want to focus on the topic. That’s normal. But the skill today is noticing the “conversation moves” underneath the topic. Use the tips below to sharpen your listening:
Tip 1: Watch for “signal phrases”
Many strategies have common signals. When you hear them, be ready:
- Clarifying: “Do you mean…?” “What I’m asking is…” “To be clear…”
- Paraphrasing: “So you’re saying…” “In other words…”
- Summarizing: “So overall…” “To sum it up…” “Basically…”
- Topic shift: “Speaking of…” “That reminds me…” “Let’s move to…”
- Polite interruption: “Sorry to interrupt…” “If I may…” “Excuse me…”
- Softened disagreement: “I see your point, but…” “Maybe another way…”
Tip 2: Don’t confuse “strategy” with “opinion”
A strategy is a move (a function), not the content. Example: “I disagree” is content. The strategy is how the speaker disagrees politely—using softeners, giving reasons, and keeping the relationship respectful.
Tip 3: If you missed it, mark it later (with proof)
If you think you heard a strategy but you’re not sure, don’t mark it immediately. Instead, write a quick note like “maybe paraphrase?” Then confirm during the second viewing. Accuracy beats speed.
Tip 4: Use “purpose” to check your label
If you’re unsure whether something is paraphrasing or summarizing, ask: what was the purpose? If the speaker made the idea clearer by restating it, that’s likely paraphrasing. If the speaker compressed many points into one short message, that’s likely summarizing.
Sample mini-analysis (so you know what “strong evidence” looks like)
Below are examples of what a strong Evidence Note looks like. You can use these as a model for your own work.
Example 1: Clarifying
Strategy: Clarifying
Evidence: “When you say ‘pressure,’ do you mean academic pressure or pressure from leadership roles?”
Purpose: It checks meaning so the host and guest understand the same idea and prevents confusion.
Politeness marker: “When you say…” (soft, respectful phrasing)
Example 2: Paraphrasing
Strategy: Paraphrasing
Evidence: “So you’re juggling both schoolwork and club responsibilities at the same time.”
Purpose: It restates the guest’s message to confirm understanding and keep the conversation focused.
Politeness marker: “So you’re…” (neutral, non-judgmental tone)
Example 3: Polite interruption
Strategy: Polite interruption
Evidence: “If I may interrupt—when you say ‘unexpected changes,’ do you mean schedule changes or home responsibilities?”
Purpose: It redirects the conversation without disrespect and prevents the answer from becoming unclear.
Politeness marker: “If I may…”
If there is no video: Student Talk Show Script (you can perform)
If your class does not have a talk show clip available today, your teacher may use the script below for a live performance. Two volunteers can read the roles. Your job remains the same: mark strategies and collect evidence.
Host: Good afternoon, everyone! Welcome to Campus Chat. I’m your host, and today we have a special guest, Mia, a Grade 11 student leader. Mia, thanks for joining us.
Guest: Thanks for having me! I’m excited.
Host: Let’s start simple—how has your week been so far?
Guest: Busy, honestly. There’s schoolwork, group projects, and our club planning.
Host: When you say “busy,” do you mean academically busy, or busy with leadership tasks?
Guest: Both, but mostly leadership. We had to organize an activity, and I’m also catching up on assignments.
Host: So you’re juggling responsibilities in and out of the classroom. Can you give a specific example of what made it challenging?
Guest: For example, we had a deadline for a performance task, then suddenly a meeting was moved earlier. I had to adjust my schedule quickly.
Host: I see. That sounds stressful. If I understand you correctly, the problem isn’t the workload alone—it’s the sudden changes. Is that right?
Guest: Yes, exactly.
Host: Some people might say, “Just manage your time better.” What would you tell them?
Guest: I’d say time management helps, but it’s not always enough. Unexpected changes happen.
Host: If I may interrupt gently—when you say “unexpected changes,” are you referring to schedule shifts, or personal responsibilities at home as well?
Guest: Both. Sometimes at home, I’m needed too.
Host: Thanks for clarifying. Speaking of home responsibilities, how do you communicate your limits to others?
Guest: I try to be honest but respectful. I explain what I can do and ask for adjustments.
Host: That’s a good point. To summarize, you manage stress by planning, communicating clearly, and asking for support when needed.
Guest: Yes, and also taking breaks when possible.
Host: Before we close, what advice would you give to classmates who feel overwhelmed?
Guest: Ask for help early. Don’t wait until you’re already drowning.
Host: Great advice. Mia, thank you for your time—and thank you, everyone, for watching Campus Chat. See you next time!
Recommendation: If your teacher uses the script, ask for one replay or a second reading. Your evidence becomes stronger when you confirm it a second time.
Your exit ticket (submit before leaving)
Answer in complete sentences. Keep it short but evidence-based.
- Write two conversation strategies you observed today.
- Provide one evidence line (exact phrase or clear paraphrase) for each strategy.
- Choose one strategy and explain: Why is it important for respectful conversation?
High-scoring exit tickets show strategy + evidence + purpose. If one of these is missing, your answer becomes a guess.
Recommendations for scoring high (and improving real-life communication)
If you want your work to stand out—and if you want to communicate better in real situations—use these practical recommendations. They are simple, but they are exactly what effective communicators do.
1) Prioritize accuracy over quantity
It’s better to submit 8 strategies with strong evidence than 15 strategies with weak evidence. A strategy label without proof is like a conclusion without data. If you are unsure, label it as “possible” in notes and confirm during replay.
2) Train your ear for clarification and repair
Clarification and repair are the strategies that prevent conflict. Many real arguments start because people assume meaning. When you notice clarification (“Do you mean…?”) or repair (“Let me correct…”) in a talk show, you’re witnessing respectful communication in action. These strategies protect relationships and improve understanding.
3) Notice how politeness changes meaning
Two people can say the same idea, but politeness markers can make it sound respectful or harsh. Compare: “You’re wrong.” versus “I see your point, but maybe we can consider another idea.” The second uses softened disagreement and shows respect. Even if politeness is not the main focus today, start collecting politeness markers because they will matter in the next lesson.
4) Use purpose as your final check
If you can explain the purpose, you’re likely correct. Ask yourself: did that move invite a turn, clarify meaning, keep the topic organized, or close the conversation politely? Purpose prevents mislabeling.
5) Apply one strategy in your own speaking today
Even while observing, you can practice. In your partner check, use one strategy: ask a follow-up question, paraphrase what your partner said, or clarify their evidence. That turns the lesson into real skill.
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