How To Start a Conversation in Australia & Practise Speaking English!

Summary

In this video, Emma from mmmEnglish shares practical tips on how to start conversations in Australia, focusing on various everyday situations like at a pub, in a taxi or Uber, at the supermarket, and while traveling. She emphasizes the importance of friendly greetings and small talk to build confidence in speaking English. From using casual expressions like 'G'day' to asking about local sports or engaging with taxi drivers, the video encourages viewers to take opportunities for short, simple interactions. Emma also highlights the relaxed, positive attitude of Australians, encouraging viewers to practice their conversational skills and explore Australian culture.

Takeaways

• 😀 Australians greet each other in a relaxed and friendly manner, with expressions like 'G'day' and 'How ya goin'?', but not everyone uses 'G'day' all the time.
• 😀 The pub is a great place to start conversations in Australia, as Australians are typically friendly and open in such social environments.
• 😀 Sports, especially the AFL (Australian Football League), are key conversation starters in Australia. Asking about the score or who's playing is an easy way to engage.
• 😀 Taxi drivers and Uber drivers in Australia are often open to chatting, making it an excellent opportunity for practicing small talk and conversation skills.
• 😀 In Uber or taxi rides, asking about the driver's background, such as how long they've been driving or what they do, can lead to interesting conversations.
• 😀 Supermarkets are a good place to initiate conversations. Asking for help or talking about a product you're looking for can lead to further exchanges.
• 😀 When traveling, you can strike up a conversation by asking for directions, recommendations, or even by asking someone to take a photo for you.
• 😀 Polite expressions like 'excuse me' and 'do you mind' are key to making a good first impression when interrupting or approaching a stranger.
• 😀 It's important to keep the conversation light and casual, as Australians tend to appreciate short interactions rather than long discussions.
• 😀 Australians value effort, so even a small attempt to start a conversation will be appreciated. The goal is to practice and gain confidence over time.

Q & A

How do Australians generally greet each other?

Australians are laid-back and often greet each other with casual expressions like 'G'day' or 'Hey, how ya goin'?'. 'G'day' is more commonly used by men, especially older ones, and is a short version of 'Good day'.

Is it common for Australians to use the phrase 'G'day mate' in every greeting?

No, 'G'day mate' is not used by every Australian in every greeting. It's more commonly used by men, particularly older men. It's also a greeting used in specific contexts, like in a pub or when meeting someone casually.

What’s a good way to strike up a conversation at an Australian pub?

At an Australian pub, a good way to start a conversation is by asking about the game being played, such as 'What's the score?' or 'Who's playing?'. If you're familiar with Australian Football League (AFL), that can also help in connecting with others.

What is the AFL, and why is it significant in Australia?

The AFL (Australian Football League) is the most popular sport in Australia, and it is unique to the country. It's similar to sports like the English Premier League or NFL but has its own rules and a distinctive style of play.

Why is asking about someone's job as an Uber driver a good conversation starter in Australia?

Asking about someone's job as an Uber driver is a great conversation starter because many Uber drivers in Australia come from diverse multicultural backgrounds. You can bond over shared experiences of living in Australia or ask about their studies or life in the country.

What should you ask an Uber driver if you want to strike up a conversation?

You can ask questions like 'Have you been an Uber driver for long?' or 'Do you enjoy doing it?'. You can also ask them about their life in Australia, such as 'Have you been living here long?' or 'What's been the hardest part about moving to a new country?'

How can you start a conversation at a supermarket in Australia?

In a supermarket, you can ask a staff member for help finding a product, like 'Hi there! Can you help me find the Vegemite?' While walking with them to the product, you can comment on how hard it is to navigate a new supermarket, which might prompt a conversation.

What are some easy ways to start a conversation when traveling in an English-speaking country?

When traveling, you can start conversations by asking for directions or recommendations, or even asking someone to take a photo of you. Simple phrases like 'Excuse me, does this train go to the city?' or 'Can you take a photo of us?' work well.

How do Australians feel about people making an effort to engage in conversation?

Australians generally appreciate it when people make an effort to engage in conversation, even if it’s just a brief exchange. Australians value people who are friendly, relaxed, and have a go, meaning they admire the courage to initiate a conversation.

What is the key takeaway from this video about starting conversations in Australia?

The key takeaway is to just get started by greeting someone, even with a simple 'Hello' or 'How ya goin'?'. Being friendly, relaxed, and positive helps break the ice. Over time, small interactions will build your confidence in speaking English.