Episode 185: Interpersonal Communication That Works: Goals and Scaffolds for Silent Discussion (Part 2 with Chelsea Lawrence)

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Interpersonal communication can feel like one of the hardest modes to teach. You plan the activity, set expectations… and then students give one-word answers, switch to their common language, or disengage altogether.

But what if the problem isn’t your activity?

In this second part of my conversation with Chelsea Lawrence, we build on our previous conversation in episode 163 and take a deeper look at what actually makes interpersonal communication work—especially through silent discussion.

After presenting this strategy at SCOLT and trying it in our own classrooms, we saw firsthand how powerful it can be when students have a clear goal and the right scaffolds in place.

In this episode, we unpack what true interpersonal communication requires, how to structure a silent discussion for success, and how to support students so they can stay in the target language and engage meaningfully with each other.

If you’ve ever felt frustrated with interpersonal activities, this conversation will give you a new way to think about them—and practical ways to implement them right away.

✨ Key Takeaways

• Why interpersonal communication often falls flat—and what’s really missing
• The two essential elements of true interpersonal communication: an information gap and a clear purpose
• How silent discussion lowers the affective filter and increases participation
• Different communicative goals you can use (jigsaw, interview, prediction, and problem-solving)
• How to scaffold student questions instead of giving them all the language
• Simple ways to support responses, reactions, and negotiation of meaning
• How to help students stay in the target language without forcing it
• Why this strategy works across levels—from novice to AP

📚 Resources & Links

• 🎧 Listen to Part 1 (Episode 163: Silent Discussion with Chelsea Lawrence)
• 📄 Read the full blog post: How to Build Interpersonal Communication with Purpose in the Target Language
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