LANGUAGE EXPLORER

More on conversations with native speakers

Today I’d like to tell you more on starting conversations with native speakers when you are travelling to England, or another English speaking country. Also how to make the conversation more friendly.

Places you can safely start conversations in the country where English is spoken:

Hotel reception areas

Train station platforms

Bus stops

Tourist information offices

In shops

Museums/Art Galleries

Taxis

Airport lounges

Hairdressers

Ice cream kiosks

Newspaper stands

Restaurants/cafes

Car boot sales

On the beach

 

 

I don’t recommend talking to people in the street, unless it’s just to ask for the time or directions.

Of course, speaking with people you don’t know isn’t the ideal way to practice English, but it is often these places where people who are learning English can have the opportunity to speak it , as they maybe don’t know any native speakers.

So, be careful where you speak and to whom. This is just common sense. If you are a woman alone, then speak to people in public places. It will be surprising that maybe you can start an interesting conversation and get chance to practice.

1. Decide the reason for speaking to somebody. Maybe to find something about a place or just get to know more about what the place is like.
2. Ask a small question to start with “Could you tell me?” or “Do you know where/what time/how etc…?”
3. One the conversation has started, slow down your speech more that you want to, this will give you some time to think more about what you want to say and also give the person you are speaking with the chance to get used to your particular accent.
4. Don’t forget to add “please” or “Thank you” where you need to and also nod your head a bit to show that you understand what the other person is saying.
5. Ask small questions and if they give you a long answer that you can’t remember (for instance, with directions) say “Oh, thanks, let me just write that down please”
6. If they ask about you, be glad to tell them (but not very personal information)
7. Don’t talk about: money, politics, religion unless you get to know the person quite well (say if you are staying in the same hotel for some days)
8. Enjoy the conversation – never worry about mistakes – keep the conversation light-hearted and not too detailed.
9. When the conversations stops, don’t forget to say something like “it was nice talking with you”
10. If you want to take a photo for any reason, don’t forget to ask first if the other person minds.