Denise Chrisman

Communication patterns are easily established and difficult to change. Non-effective, negative communication skills are easier because no "thought" goes into them. Effective communication takes thought and effort. When negative communication patterns have been established in a household, more likely than not there is more arguing than talking.

The purpose of this exercise is to simply engage the members in a conversation with no arguments. This is to demonstrate to participants that they can speak to each other without the conversation escalating into an argument. When healthy communication patterns are established, everyone benefits.

There are numerous books available to serve as conversation starters. These books are designed to provoke thoughts and are strictly opinion. There is no right or wrong answer. An example from The Conversation Piece Collection by Bret Nicholaus and Paul Lowrie is "If one day it could snow in any flavor, which flavor would you choose?" Other examples include recollecting your earliest memory or talking about your first day of school.

Some conversation starter books:

• The Conversation Piece Collection by Bret Nicholaus and Paul Lowrie
• Chicken Soup Conversation Cards