conversational language learning target: i can have a comfortable, casual conversation
TRANSCRIPT
CONVERSATIONAL LANGUAGE
Learning Target: I can have a comfortable,
casual conversation
CONVERSATION
Interactive and spontaneous
communication between 2 or more people
Natural give and take of topics
Most people find it pleasant and like the
company to pass time
CONVERSATION
Affects every other sort of behavior in which we
engage:• Personal relations• Efforts in the workplace• Initial impressions
ELEMENTS OF CONVERSATION
Discussion -- sharing opinions on subjects that are thought of
during the conversation. • The subject usually changes before discussion becomes
dispute
Subject – conversations based on their content (often a
combination)• Ideas• Objective facts• Other people (usually absent)• Conversations about oneself
Functions – conveys information to achieve a goal • Small talk • Banter
POLITE CONVERSATION
Conversations follow rules of
etiquette
Conversations are social interactions,
and depend on social convention
Failure to follow the rules ends the
conversation
Awkward turtle.
HOW TO MAKE POLITE CONVERSATION
Step 1: Think of a topic. What will you talk about
today? Every conversation has a subject, or topic.
Some of the popular conversation topics are;
music; opinions; "Have you ever...?" sentence
starters and topics; shopping; clothes; sports;
television and movies, school, celebrities.
HOW TO MAKE POLITE CONVERSATION
Step 2: Start off your conversation with something
interesting. • Ask a question• Be brave!
Step 3: Actively Listen• Give them your full attention• Don't let your eyes wander
HOW TO MAKE POLITE CONVERSATION
Step 4: Do not interrupt them. • Listen to what they have to say!• Don’t just think about what you want to say next• Listen to where the conversation is moving
Step 5: Answer in detail • Yes and no are boring and don’t promote conversation• Give your opinion on a subject and analysis and
evidence• We often avoid talking about ourselves, but the other
person WANTS to know
CONVERSATION STARTERS
Books
Movies
Television Shows
School, education
Travel
Family
Puppies
TOPICS TO AVOID
Politics
Religion
Money
Uncomfortable topics (dating)
Inappropriate Humor
AWKWARD SILENCE
Uncomfortable pause in a conversation or presentation
Associated with feelings of anxiety as the participants
feel pressure to speak but are unsure what to say next
Remedies: • Summarize what was said and thank them for their
contributions• Conversation pieces (artwork, music, etc.)• Ice breakers • How about them Bears? Nice weather, eh?• Puppies
LET’S TRY IT!
Brainstorm conversation topics
and/or questions to ask
Don’t just talk to your friends!
REFLECTION
You as the SPEAKER:
Name of the person(s) you conversed with:
Summary of the conversation: How did the conversation flow? Was it easy or difficult to
maintain conversation? What would you do differently? How
did the conversation end?