Speaking Practice
Tips for starting a conversation
- Comment* on the place or event. Look around and find something to point out. For example, “The food is great.” or “This church is 200 years old!”
- Ask an open-ended question to get people to talk about themselves. For example, “What’s your favorite dessert?” or “That dress looks great on you. Where did you get it?”
- Be sensitive* to other people’s feelings. Do not ask questions about weight, salary, whether they have a boyfriend/girlfriend, and so on.
* comment 評論* sensitive 需謹慎對待的
Action!
Imagine you are at a potluck and you want to get to know someone. Check the best sentences to start a conversation and do a role play with your partner.
A:
B: My favorite dishes are the baked beans and the Italian cucumber tomato salad.
A: Great. I brought a Chinese dish—shrimp fried rice. Would you like to taste it?
B: Sure. I’d love to. By the way, I’m Ally.
A: Nice to meet you, Ally. I’m Wei-Ming. Are you a freshman at York?
B: Yes. Are you, too?
