There are many skills to be learnt in making conversation
- initiation of a topic: introducing a new idea into the conversation
- changing a topic, without leaving others feeling confused or cross
- interrupting appropriately, for example by use of words such as 'Excuse me', 'Oh, I've heard that...', 'Do you know that...'
- maintaining a topic through several turns of conversation
- closing a topic: finishing what they are saying smoothly and with the appropriate closing noises or words, rather than over-abruptly
- turn taking within a conversation: picking up on other people's ideas, responding or commenting appropriately and then expecting them to have a turn at speaking
- taking an appropriate share in the conversation: not being over- or under-assertive; talking more when they have more to say about a topic
- keeping the conversation going, for example through noises such as 'uh-hu', 'mm', 'aha'
- repair: being able to adapt, repeat or check the conversation if something has not been understood
- closing the conversation, with words such as 'Well, I have to go now', 'Right, that's good, see you later'
Some children with speech and language difficulties take longer than usual to acquire these skills. They may have difficulties with managing topics in the ways described above.
They may have difficulties in conversational breakdown and repair. This works both ways: either the child may not ask a speaker to repeat or rephrase what they have said, or the child may not recognise that listeners have not understood them.
They may have difficulties in using appropriate syles with different listeners, for instance, not changing their style if talking to a friend or to a headteacher.
They may have difficulties with the non-verbal skills such as appropriate use of eye gaze, facial expression and proximity.