Objective:
Equip students with advanced conversational skills and an understanding of persuasive communication, enabling them to engage in meaningful dialogues and influence others’ viewpoints effectively.
Materials:
- TED-Ed video: “How Can You Change Someone’s Mind?“
- Celeste Headlee’s TED Talk: “The keys to a great conversation “
Part 1: Foundations of Effective Conversation
- Introduction:
Begin with a discussion on the importance of meaningful conversation in everyday life. Pose open-ended questions such as:- What makes a conversation impactful?
- How can good communication build relationships and solve problems?
- Video Exploration:
Watch Celeste Headlee’s TED Talk:
- After the video, lead a discussion on the key takeaways. Provide students with a handout summarizing the 10 techniques mentioned in the talk, emphasizing practical application.
- Interactive Activity – Practicing Conversations:
Pair students for role-play activities using various conversational scenarios (e.g., meeting someone for the first time, resolving a disagreement, discussing shared interests). Encourage them to practice active listening, asking open-ended questions, and using body language effectively.Conclude with a class debrief where students share their experiences and learnings. - Reflection Assignment:
Students write about a recent conversation in their reflection journals, analyzing what worked well and what could have been improved using techniques learned.
Part 2: The Psychology of Persuasion
- Recap and Introduction to Persuasion:
Review the previous session’s key points and transition into a discussion about persuasion and its ethical implications. - Understanding Persuasive Techniques:
Introduce Aristotle’s Rhetorical Appeals:- Ethos: Building credibility
- Pathos: Appealing to emotions
- Logos: Using logic and reason
Provide examples of each appeal and distribute a handout for reference.
- Video Exploration:
Watch the TED-Ed video:
- Discuss the psychological factors that influence belief changes, such as confirmation bias and the backfire effect.
- Interactive Activity – Analyzing Persuasive Scenarios:
In small groups, students analyze case studies where someone successfully changed another’s perspective. Groups identify rhetorical appeals used and discuss why the persuasive techniques were effective.Each group presents their analysis to the class. - Reflection and Class Discussion:
Facilitate a discussion on the ethical considerations of persuasion. Encourage students to brainstorm how they can apply these techniques ethically in real-life situations.
Extension Activities:
- Debate Exercise:
Organize a classroom debate on a relevant topic. Students must use conversational and persuasive techniques to support their arguments. - Historical Analysis:
Assign students to research a historical figure known for their persuasive communication, such as Martin Luther King Jr. or Malala Yousafzai, and present on the strategies they employed.
Assessment:
- Participation in discussions and activities.
- Reflection journals assess insight and the application of concepts.
- Group presentations evaluating understanding of rhetorical appeals and persuasive strategies.
