An easy way to engage someone who requires practice of the elements of conversation is a drum conversation. This can be done in many ways (and with different instruments), but this is my favorite way to implement.
1. Choose an appropriate drum size. The drum should be able to be played independently without each person having to move or hold it. I like a free standing tubano or floor drum.
2. Place the drum between the two people conversing (or in the middle of a circle for a group intervention).
3. Use only one mallet.
4. The person who has the mallet is the one speaking. This individual can tap the rhythm of their speech pattern or simply play the macrobeat on the instrument. They can address a certain person by name and ask a question.
5. When they are done speaking/playing, the mallet is passed to the conversational recipient. This cues waiting, eye contact, body position, etc.
6. The person with the mallet answers the question posed previously, then can continue with their own question.
This can be fun! It is great with a group to work on listening skills; you have to listen for your name to be called, etc. What about your family doing this to ask about what happened at school/work instead of normal dinner table conversation? What would your children think about that?
Try it out. :)
~Blessings! Mary
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