دع القلق - 06 - تجنب القلق

دع القلق - 39 - العقل الباطن

Rule 5

In this lesson, you will learn how to get what you want in English from a conversation between two people who are acquaintances. There's still a lot to know so be sure to check out the lesson notes on EnglishClass101.com: http://www.englishclass101.com/2011/01/17/survival-phrases-3-getting-what-you-want-using-english/

Survival Phrases Season 1 #3 - Getting What You Want Using English

A Kiss Vocab

3 Dress code

Starting a conversation

To start a conversation in an informal social situation - like a party - it’s a good idea to find light, friendly topics to talk about.

For example you could: offer a compliment:

A: I like your shoes.
B: Oh thanks, I bought them last week.

Or, find something you have in common, like work, studies, movies or sport:

A: What are you studying?
B: I’m studying zoology at La Trobe.
A: Really? Do you have Professor Duncan?

Or you could ask about something more general, like the weather, or the area you live in.

A: I can’t believe how hot it’s been. How are you coping with the heat?

When you first meet someone it’s best to avoid personal topics, like money, politics, or personal appearance.

For example, you might avoid asking how much money someone makes:

A: You’re a lawyer? How much do you earn?
B: That’s none of your business.

It’s also best to avoid commenting on someone’s physical appearance.

A: You’re really skinny, what do you eat?
B: That’s really none of your business.

Asking about age can also be seen as rude:

A: How old are you?
B: Excuse me? I’m not telling you that.

Flickr CC: Peter Nijenhuis

Starting A Conversation

How to join a conversation

If you hear an interesting conversation, it’s a good idea to listen in and make sure it’s appropriate to join. 

If it’s a personal or private conversation, the speakers might not want you to interrupt. You‘ll have to use your own judgement, and take a risk.

If they seem friendly and open, you can try to find something interesting to add. Don’t try to change the subject or talk too much about yourself. 

Remember to smile, be friendly and ask questions about others.

You could try one of these phrases for joining in:

‘Excuse me, I overheard you talking about…’
‘Hi, my name is … ‘
‘I heard you talking about…’
‘Did I hear you say…?’

Here are some examples:

‘Excuse me, I overheard you talking about travelling to Australia. My sister went there last year. When are you going?’

‘Hi my name is Shirley. I heard you talking about Adelaide university. I’m a student there, too. What do you study?’

‘Did I hear you say you’re watching the new Game of Thrones series? I’m half way through it, I love that show. Where are you up to?’

If you find it hard to find a natural way to join the conversation, you can say:

‘Excuse me, would you mind if I joined your conversation? I don’t know anyone here yet, and you look interesting to talk to.’

Of course, not everyone wants new people to join their conversation. If it doesn’t work out, don’t take it personally. Try again next time.

Flickr CC: Ruth Ellison

How to join a conversation

Have you ever had a conversation in English, maybe on the telephone, when you’re making hotel reservations or talking to an international client in another country, or maybe you’re talking face-to-face with someone after a business meeting or a conference, and you don’t know how to end the conversation? 

The good news is, today is the last day where you will ever feel like that, because we’re going to focus on how you can end a conversation and say goodbye in many different situations, using common, everyday expressions that we use today in modern English.

17 Ways to Say Goodbye in English

At the end of the word, the /ŋ/ doesn't need an additional /g/. The /g/ is potentially included mid-word.

Transcripts available at pronuncian.com

American English Pronunciation

220: The 'n-g' spelling creates /ŋ/, as in the word 'song'

Hey everyone!

Let's return to basics! Today's podcast is about how to use the present simple in English- the most basic verb tense. Have a listen to make sure you know this tense perfectly.
 
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Ep. 78 The Present Simple | ABA on Air

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