Survive:and:Thrive:地道英语口语

2. Maintaining Conversation Question master--Skills for askings questions Sometimes it is difficult to know how to keep a conversation, especially in a different culture. You don’t know what is normal to ask; you don’t know if your questions are weird. Is it OK to ask that? Here are some great questions to start a conversation, and hopefully, make a friend! - So, what did you get up to on the weekend? - So, got anything fun planned for the weekend? - So, how do you know (common connection) ? - So, what do you do for fun? - So, what do you do for a living? - So, what brought you to (city/town) ?“So, what’s your story?” A conversation is like a bicycle. Sometimes, to make the bicycle a little smoother you need to add one or two drops of oil. Just like a conversation in English, sometimes you just need one or two words to make the conversation smoother. Here are some techniques (oil) for a smoother conversation... Be interested Wow! Really? No way! Seriously? How come? Why would anyone do that? Yeah? A: We found a new Chinese restaurant last night. B: Yeah? A: It was good, I recommend it. A: I think I am going to quit smoking. B: Yeah? A: It’s an expensive way to die. Agreeing (so they talk more) Right! Totally! For sure! Couldn’t agree more! I’m on the same page as you. Yeah, I’m with you on that. Extra oil What did he/she say? What does (person) think about this? Questions better NOT to ask So, are you single? How much do you earn? Both start talking at the same time Sorry, you go! Sorry, you first! No no, Go ahead! + I wasn’t going to say anything important... Similar experiences The exact same thing happened to me the other day. A similar thing happened to me the other day. Something bad happened to them That sucks! That’s awful! Wow, who would do that? Some people. Is there nothing you can do about it? the other day = 前几天 s you’re just trying to make conversation. The power of ‘‘so...’’ Follow up questions ( 后续问题 ) - So, where are you from? - What’s it like living there? - What did you get up to on the weekend? - How was it? / Was it fun? - What do you do for a living? - Is it a good company to work in? / How did you get into that? - What are you studying? - Is that a good course?