While you may need to improve your range and accuracy of grammar and vocabulary in your English conversations, you can also benefit from speaking better with the grammar and vocabulary you already know. What do I mean by this? Well, today I’d like to present one key idea for you to integrate into your English conversations, so that your interactions are more enjoyable, natural, where you build better rapport with the other speaker, and come across as a much better listener.
Have you ever taken part in predictable, sometimes boring conversations, where you just wanted to leave as soon as you could? I’m sure you have! Picture the scene at a bar in town or at a conference. How would you open a conversation with someone you didn’t know? Many people have conversations like this example:
Example 1
Tony: Where are you from?
Sophie: Paris.
Tony: And what are you doing in Prague?
Sophie: I’m here to visit my parents.
Tony: Cool. What do you do in Paris?
Sophie: I’m a student. What about you?
Tony: I’m an engineer. What do you study?
…
Do you see that what’s happening here is a pattern: question followed by answer? Many people have conversations like this, but with one extra ingredient, we can make this conversation go much better. Let’s compare example 1 with another model:
Example 2
Tony: Where are you from?
Sophie: Paris.
Tony: Oh, I was there last year, it’s such an exciting city. But I guess it’s different to visit as a tourist than to live there. What do you think?
Sophie: You might be right there. Of course it’s a beautiful city, but I prefer quieter places, to be honest. Paris gets a little too stressful at times.
Tony: Prague’s a bit the same, in a way. That’s why we go to our cottage every weekend. So is Prague a way for you to relax for a bit?
Sophie: Actually, I’m here to see my family…
Example 3
Tony: Where are you from?
Sophie: Paris.
Tony: I was there just last week, and had the best steak at this restaurant in the Latin Quarter, the food was so good. Do you cook much?
Sophie: (smiles) Maybe not as good as that steak, but I often cook when friends come over.
Tony: I’d like to know how to cook, actually. I probably eat out too much. Do you have a dish that you like to cook for your friends?
…
When you compare the examples above, what is the key difference between example 1 and examples 2 and 3?
Tony has developed the interaction by using statements. After someone answers a question, you can respond by making a statement first before asking another question.
So the conversation goes question – answer – statement following on from your partner’s answer.
Here are a few more examples:
Example 4
Tony: What do you do?
Sophie: I’m a student.
Possible statement-answer replies that Tony can use:
a. I studied languages because I wanted to travel. What about you?
b. These days there are so many opportunities for young people. Do you have any special ambitions?
c. Well, you’re hair’s dyed and your reading Byron, so I’m guessing you study arts. Am I right?
d. I really enjoyed my student days, the freedom, the parties, and of course I learnt a lot too. What are you studying?
Example 5
Tony: What are you doing in Prague?
Sophie: I’m visiting my parents.
Possible statement-answer replies may include:
a. I think more and more French people are working in Prague. Is that what your parents are doing?
b. So you’re studying hard in Paris while your folks are drinking ‘pivo’ at Old Town Square. Is that fair?
c. I’m surprised your folks are living here. Does your father work for a Czech company?
d. Yeah, if I was your dad, I’d definitely live in Prague. Nicer beer. What do they miss about France?
Conclusion
You can really benefit by adding more statements into your conversations. As you can see, a question about where you are from can lead to other topics. For example, the word ‘Paris’ brings all kinds of associations to mind: food, fashion, architecture, art. In fact, you could easily jump from topic to topic from just the first answer someone gives you!
Please note too that for higher level students taking a Cambridge ESOL exam, you receive a quarter of your mark for interactive communication. Making statements in response to what your partner has just said will ensure you get a higher mark in this category! This is because the highest marks for interactive communication (eg at FCE level) are when the speaker can maintain the interaction and work towards an outcome.
Once again, while I want you to improve your level of English, I’d also like you to develop your confidence and competence with the English you have already worked so hard to acquire. See if you can add more statements in your conversations next time you are out with your English-speaking friends!
- Based on an article I wrote on August 11, 2009 on www.engage.cz
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David Sweetnam
English Teacher and Trainer
Engage s.r.o.
david [at] GetIntoEnglish [dot] com
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