“I don’t know what to say!”
Role-play Practice
One of the most helpful activities is role-playing using a simple, predictable conversation format.
Speaker 1: Hi!
Speaker 2: Hello!
1: How are you doing?
2: Fine, thanks. What about you?
1: I’m okay. What are you doing?
2: I am working on a project for school about living in Outer Space.
1: Oh, I have to do a project like that too. Mine is about life on the Space Station.
2: I decided to study about life on other planets and if it was possible or not.
1: I’d like to visit Mars someday!
2: You would? Can I come too?
1: Sure! First, we’ll need to find a way to get there!
2: We’ll also need to gather some food and
1: And supplies! Maybe you need to finish your research first.
2: Perhaps you’re right!
Read this aloud several times, and swap roles.
Conversation Pattern
This structure follows a simple format that kids can learn and eventually adapt:
- Greet the other person with eye contact and a smile.
- Ask a short question (How are you? How are you doing?)
- Listen to the response and reply
- Introduce a new topic or respond to what the other person just said by adding a statement or asking another question.
Then repeat those steps in any order.
The goal is to keep the conversation moving back and forth.
This pattern is used by adults all the time, but kids can use it too as a helpful framework until it feels natural.
Topic + Question Ideas
If your child gets stuck, create a reference list together:
Topics: favourite games, activities, books, movies, events, and school activities.
Starter questions:
- Did you hear that?
- What do you think about?
- Have you ever?
- Did you know that?
- Do you like?
By practicing these scripts regularly, your child learns what to say next, and that confidence is an important starting point.
For more ideas, check out the Resources section of this website, especially those related to Shyness and Conversation Skills.
Want more simple, parent-friendly ways to support strong communication skills?
Download our free guide: 10 Tips to Help Your Child Become a Confident Speaker.
(It’s filled with everyday strategies you can start using right away.)
