Learn English Conversation - How to Have a Conversation in English

Summary

This video script from Oxford Online English offers practical advice on conversing in English. It begins with simple conversation starters, such as asking basic questions or making situational comments. The script then delves into building conversations through shared interests, personal inquiries, and mutual acquaintances. It emphasizes the importance of balance in conversation, alternating between asking and listening. The video also addresses the natural ebb and flow of conversation, suggesting strategies for changing topics and gracefully ending discussions. With these tips, viewers are equipped to engage in more fluid and natural English conversations.

Takeaways

• 😀 Starting a conversation in English can be challenging due to language barriers and the need to remember unfamiliar words and pronunciations.
• 🗣️ Three easy ways to initiate a conversation include asking simple questions, making comments about the current situation, and giving compliments.
• 🤝 Introducing yourself is a crucial first step when meeting someone new to avoid awkwardness and build rapport.
• 🤔 When building a conversation, it's important to find common ground, ask about the other person's life, and refer to mutual acquaintances.
• 💡 Keeping the conversation balanced is key; avoid one-sided questioning or talking, and ensure there's a mix of speaking and listening.
• 🚫 Examples of unbalanced conversations were provided, highlighting the importance of interaction and engagement in a dialogue.
• 🔄 If a conversation topic isn't engaging, it's perfectly acceptable to change the subject to maintain interest and flow.
• 🤝 Using phrases like 'so' or 'anyway' can smoothly transition to a new topic, while directly asking to change the subject can be done if necessary.
• ⏳ Learning to end a conversation politely is essential, with phrases like 'I hate to be rude, but...' signaling the need to leave gracefully.
• 📲 The script suggests adding a personal touch by using the person's name when ending a conversation, which can make the interaction feel more genuine.

Q & A

What is the main topic of the conversation in the provided script?

The main topic of the conversation is about how to have a conversation in English, including tips on starting, developing, and ending conversations.

What are the three easy ways to start a conversation in English mentioned in the script?

The three ways are: 1) Introduce yourself, 2) Make a comment or ask a question about the situation you're in, and 3) Compliment the other person.

Why is it important to introduce yourself when starting a conversation with someone you don't know?

Introducing yourself is important because it can be awkward if you start talking and later realize you don't know the other person's name, which is a basic social courtesy.

What is an example of a simple question you can ask to start a conversation?

Examples include asking 'What's your name?', 'Where are you from?', and 'What do you do?'.

How can you build a conversation once it has started?

You can build a conversation by making a reference to something you have in common, asking about the other person's life, or referring to someone you both know.

What is a common mistake people make when trying to build a conversation, as shown in the script?

A common mistake is either asking too many questions in a row, which can make it feel like an interrogation, or talking too much without giving the other person a chance to speak.

What is the key to maintaining a successful conversation according to the script?

The key to maintaining a successful conversation is balance, which includes balancing asking questions with sharing your own thoughts and balancing speaking with listening.

How can you change the topic of a conversation if it's not going well?

You can change the topic by asking a question or making a comment about something different, often introducing the change with words like 'so' or 'anyway'.

What are some polite ways to end a conversation as demonstrated in the script?

Some polite ways to end a conversation include saying 'I hate to be rude, but...', 'It's been great talking to you, but...', and 'I won't keep you any longer.'

Why is it important not to speak too much about a topic that the other person is not interested in?

Speaking too much about an uninteresting topic can lead to disengagement and a lack of conversation flow, which is why it's important to be aware of the other person's interest and adjust the conversation accordingly.

What is the website mentioned in the script for more free English lessons?

The website mentioned for more free English lessons is 'Oxford Online English dot com'.