How to build a low-stress conversation habit with your tween — two minutes at a time

Table Topics can lead to meaningful conversation — naturally.

If you’ve ever been to a Toastmasters meeting, you’ll have heard of Table Topics. A speaker has two minutes to talk about the prompt they’ve been given. No preparation, just speaking what comes to mind.

We’ve been doing this off and on at our place for years.

It’s prompted some hilarious conversations and some deeper, thoughtful conversations we may never have otherwise had.

Here’s how you can use Table Topics to strengthen your communication with your tween.

There’s no agenda — the topics are random

When your tween draws a card from the deck they never know what they’re going to get. They can choose to take the topic in whatever direction they want.

And when it’s your turn — you’ll have that same privilege. No agenda.

Talk for two minutes — no more

If you’re like me and are prone to being long-winded, the two-minute time limit will be a relief for your tween.

However, that same two-minute time limit also takes the pressure off them. When they stop talking after two minutes, they can relax, knowing that you’re not going to try to get them to say more.

Those are the rules, after all.

Keep it light, and don’t lecture

Table Topics are a fun way to build a communication habit.

While it may be tempting to twist the topic to drive a point home — don’t. If you keep Table Topics lighthearted, it will open doors for spontaneous conversations about deeper things later.

Read this post and more on my Typeshare Social Blog