SMALL TALK | How to keep a conversation going in English

Summary

In this video, Emma from mmmEnglish shares seven practical tips for engaging in small talk and enhancing English conversation skills. She encourages viewers to identify topics they are passionate about, use open-ended questions to foster discussion, and employ question tags for inviting participation. Active listening techniques, such as gestures and echo questions, are highlighted as crucial for keeping the dialogue flowing. Emma emphasizes the importance of practice, advocating for real-life conversations and joining supportive communities like Hey Lady! to build confidence. Additionally, she suggests memorizing useful expressions to ease into and conclude conversations seamlessly.

Takeaways

• 😀 Small talk is crucial for communication in English-speaking environments, but it can feel intimidating.
• 😀 Building confidence in speaking English involves overcoming negative feelings about making mistakes.
• 😀 Creating a list of topics you are passionate about can help steer conversations and ease anxiety.
• 😀 Asking open questions (starting with who, what, where, when, why, how) encourages broader responses and keeps the conversation flowing.
• 😀 Question tags can transform statements into questions, inviting others to engage and confirm details.
• 😀 Active listening is essential; show engagement through gestures and short affirmations to encourage further conversation.
• 😀 Echo questions are effective for checking understanding and demonstrating interest in what the other person is saying.
• 😀 Embrace silence in conversations; letting the other person fill the gaps can lead to deeper discussions.
• 😀 Regular practice in real-life conversations, such as chatting with people in everyday situations, is key to improving speaking skills.
• 😀 Memorizing useful expressions for starting and ending conversations can provide a helpful toolkit for smoother interactions.

Q & A

Why is small talk important in English-speaking countries?

Small talk is an essential part of daily life in English-speaking countries, helping to establish connections and facilitate communication.

What is one common feeling people experience when engaging in conversations in English?

Many people, including native speakers, feel awkward or uncomfortable at times during conversations, often worrying about how the discussion will progress.

How can making a list of favorite topics help in conversations?

Having a list of favorite topics allows individuals to steer conversations toward subjects they are passionate about, making it easier to engage meaningfully.

What is the difference between open and closed questions?

Open questions encourage more detailed responses and start with 'WH' words, while closed questions typically result in simple 'yes' or 'no' answers.

What are question tags, and how can they be useful in conversations?

Question tags are short phrases added to the end of statements to invite confirmation or further input from the other person, helping to keep the conversation flowing.

What strategies can show that you are actively listening during a conversation?

You can show active listening through gestures like nodding, using short affirmations, and paraphrasing what the other person says.

Why should you not be afraid of silence during a conversation?

Silence can be a natural part of conversation, and allowing the other person to fill the gaps can lead to more organic dialogue and engagement.

What are some practical ways to practice English speaking skills?

Engaging in conversations with people in everyday situations, such as chatting with cashiers or neighbors, provides valuable practice for improving speaking skills.

What types of phrases should learners memorize to aid conversation?

Learners should memorize common expressions for starting and ending conversations, which can help them feel more prepared in social interactions.

How can participating in a community like Hey Lady! benefit English learners?

Joining a supportive community allows learners to practice speaking regularly with others, boosting their confidence and improving their conversation skills in a welcoming environment.