BROADCASTING LIVE WITH LYNNE AND CRAIG
 

VÍDEOS PARA APRENDER INGLÉS

Conversations with strangers

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Conversations with strangers

Why do we make small talk?

Ice breakers and the correct intonation to make them work:

“I think we’ve met before, haven’t we?”
“Nice day, isn’t it?”
“Do you come here often?”
“Excuse me, do you mind if I join you?”

Intonation differences:

• Lack of stretch - (common for Spanish speakers - sounds disinterested to native English speakers)
• Rising intonation at end - signals insecurity/genuine question (can be intimidating/too intrusive as an ice breaker)
• Falling intonation at end - signals statement (this is the one to go for for an ice breaker - it’s an non-threatening invitation to engage)

The art of asking questions

Intonation - interested intonation - lots of stretch - keeping voice down at the end to not be too “needy”/intrusive

Body language - keep a bit of distance, smile, open your hands and arms. Make eye contact.

Follow-up questions / statements showing you are listening eg. me too / no way / wow / what a pity /that’s a shame/ that must have been + adj

Phrases to avoid conversations:
Mmmm/ No idea sorry / Must dash. Please excuse me.

Asking for information

Have you been waiting long? (bus, train)
Is this the right queue for…
Do you know where I can…
What time does….
How much is…

Safe small talk topics

Weather
Sports
Family
Food
Work
Travel
Celebrity gossip
Hobbies
Your local area

Discussion

Do you find it easy to chat to strangers?

How easy is it to start a conversation with a stranger where you live?

Do you think people make conversations with strangers more easily now than in the past?

Are there any topics to avoid when starting conversations with strangers?

Your most memorable/most annoying conversations in the street

People you’ve met for a short time and then lost touch with.