CPR – The CONVERSATION PLAY ROOM
If this is your response to small talk, join us on Wednesdays
08:00 for Larks (early risers)
12:00 for Owls (later risers)
Take a Breath: Conquering Small Talk
An 8-Week BREATHE Framework Course
Based on Take a Breath – Conquering Small Talk by Fiona Brennan-Scott. Preceded by an introductory chapter on small talk, the book’s BREATHE Framework has seven corresponding chapters.
Week 1 orients the group, and weeks 2-8 take one letter each, in the sequential order the book uses.
There are two optional time slots – with a 12-person cap.
- Larks: 8-8:55; Owls: 12-12:55 Wednesdays
- Week 1’s starter activity uses the book’s own research method - the five questions Fiona asked her 50 interviewees is an icebreaker that’s tees you up beautifully for the course.
- Week 5 of 8 (A for Authentic) is explicitly “the very core” of the framework in the book, will be a slightly more reflective session and will require some self-reflection in the week before.
- Every week’s breakout activities are pulled from the book’s actual named exercises rather than generic conversation-skill filler.
- It’s a fun and relaxing place to think, talk and laugh about this thing we call chat, conversation, exchanging pleasantries, or even ‘small talk’!
Logistics
Group size: A group of 12 is ideal for group discussion, pairs and trios.
Materials: Everyone buys their own copy of Take a Breath. Bring it (physical or e-book) to every session – several exercises reference specific pages/figures (e.g. the BREATHE diagram, the Stress Responses cartoon, the Enneagram chart). Bring a notebook or journal too, if that suits your learning style. The author explicitly recommends journaling to track progress.
Session length: 50-55 minutes.
Breakout configuration for 12 people:
- Trios: Breakout rooms of 3
- Pairs: Breakout rooms of 2
- We’ll rotate people through different trios/pairs each week, mirroring the book’s advice about practising with a range of people, not just those we automatically click with.
Cost
Per session: GBP £12
Per Course: GBP £97
Note: These prices apply to the Winter Course running 18th November (4 weeks) and 13th January (4 weeks)
Book here: Contact me. Type ‘CPR Required’ in the Message box!
Buy your copy of ‘Take a Breath: Conquering Small Talk’