Tips for engagement: conversation starters and common ground builders
| Prompts | Topic | Conversation starters | Common ground builders |
| Patient notes | Age and birthday | "Sarah, I can see from your notes, that you’re eight and have a big birthday coming up soon! Have you any plans for your birthday?” | “My daughter is 10-years-old, and her birthday is in July as well. Last year, we had her party in the adventure sports centre in the middle of town. Have you ever been there? […] Yeah, it was great. And what’s your favourite ride? […] Oh, that one scares me – you must be very brave!” |
| “Well David. I see you’ve just turned seventeen. Have you got behind the wheel yet? […] Any thoughts about when to take the dreaded test?” | “That’s fantastic. It took me three goes to get my driver’s licence, but with all that experience I’m sure you’ll pass first time.” | ||
| Address | "And Sarah, tell me, do you live in 6 Main Street, Newcastle? […] Who do you live with there? […] And what’s good about living in Newcastle?” | “I have a big brother as well, but we don’t live together anymore. […] I was in Newcastle last week. We had a lovely walk and went to the ice-cream shop at the top of the town. I’m sure you’ve been there? […] I usually get mint-choc chip, what’s your favourite?” | |
| School or higher education | “You must be in year 5 then? […] Very good! And what’s the best thing about being in year 5? Who do you spend time with in school?” | “I loved that too when I was your age.” | |
| “What exams do you have coming up David? Are you planning on going to university?” | “That’s a great choice. Everyone needs computer scientists these days. My husband is a software developer – he had to learn all about programming, it’s a different language. What do you think?” | ||
| Clothing | Fashion | “I absolutely love your nails. Did you do those yourself? […] You are very creative.” | “I usually like to wear a nice red colour, but then we have to take it off for work. Do you have a favourite colour or do you like to wear different ones?” |
| Sports | “Is that the new home jersey you’re wearing? Oh, aren’t you lucky! Do you like football? What position do you play? […] Great! Well done.” | “It’s great you’re so active. I didn’t like football much, but I did a bit of swimming at school. Do you like swimming?” | |
| Freestyle | Activities | "If you had a whole day, where you could do absolutely anything you wanted, what would it be? […] Have you ever been there before? And who would you bring with you?” | “That sounds lovely. My three girls, who are around the same age as you, love going to the seaside with their cousins.” |
| “That’s a nice tablet – what’s your favourite game or programme? […] Can I see it? Oh, cool!” | “I loved Mario Kart when I was young.” | ||
| People | “If you had a problem at home or at school [or university], who would you usually talk to about it?” | “Yeah, you’re right. It is really important to have a good circle of friends, especially when things are tough. I’ve found that too.” | |
| Clinical experience | “Have you ever been in hospital before? […] What was that like?” | “I had that done [blood test], and I found it really sore as well.” |
Sarah and David are fictional characters.