Chapter 2. Speaking
Additional Activities
Scenario D: Li’s challenge
Scenario SpotlightThis is Li’s second month in an English-speaking country. He is a master’s student in the Computer Science department, and while he is enjoying his academic conversations, he struggles to have a casual conversation with his colleagues. He feels like his English is not good enough, although his participation in the classroom is remarkable.
2-18 DiscussionInstructions: Read Scenario D carefully. Think about the situation and discuss it with your classmates following the discussion prompts. If working alone, answer the questions in the form of an audio/video journal.
- What issues has Li had?
- Why do you think this is happening?
- What are some possible explanations about their behavior?
(Hint) Think about:
- Informal speech
- Phrasal verbs
- Slang
- Cultural references
- Using effective speaking strategies
Scenario Resolution
In Scenario D, Li seems to be struggling with the differences found in academic and casual speech registers. This is likely due to Li’s primary use of English being in academic settings up to this point. To improve, Li should increase his exposure to conversational English. This could be done by first observing casual conversations whether in person or through media and noting how it differs from academic discussions. Li could then start attending events where casual conversation is likely to occur and participate in said conversations. If available, Li could also participate in speaking groups and/or schedule speaking consultations through his university to practice conversation in a supportive, low-stakes environment.
Developing Small Talk Skills
Small talk is a casual conversation that helps make connections when meeting new people and fills awkward silences with friends, acquaintances, and colleagues, often involving light, non-controversial topics.
Small talk strategies
Small Talk Strategies
- Use Open-Ended Questions: Ask questions that encourage detailed responses (e.g., “What made you decide to become X?”).
- Practice Active Listening: Pay attention, maintain eye contact, and use nonverbal cues.
- Minimize Distractions: Put away your phone to avoid disruptions.
- Show Sincere Interest: Embrace the experience and show enthusiasm.
- Ask for Information/Recommendations: Locals often enjoy sharing insider tips such as restaurants.
Topics
- Your location
- Shows, movies, plays
- Art
- Food, restaurants, cooking
- Hobbies
- Professional interests
- Sports
- Travel
- Weather
- Local favorites
Tips
- Follow up on responses to keep the conversation flowing.
Small Talk Scenario Examples
Scenario Spotlight: The coworkers
Greg and Hoon are coworkers in a business office. It is Monday morning, and Greg has come to Hoon’s cubicle to initiate small talk.
Conversation 1 (What NOT to do!):
- Greg: How are you?
- Hoon: Fine, thanks.
- Greg: What did you do over the weekend?
- Hoon: Not much.
- Greg: What are your plans for this week?
- Hoon: Just work.
- Greg: Oh, okay. Well, talk to you later.
- Hoon: Yep. Bye!
Why is this a problem?
Hoon may not realize it, but his short answers are signaling to Greg that he does not want to talk. Furthermore, his answers give nothing for Greg to use to further the conversation. But what if Hoon wants to talk but just doesn’t have much to say? Let’s look at the next conversation to see what could be done instead.
Conversation 2 (Do THIS instead!):
- Greg: How are you?
- Hoon: I’ve been busy with work, but it’s going well. How are you?
- Greg: I’m doing great! I had a nice Sunday at the park with my family. What did you do over the weekend?
- Hoon: I didn’t do much, just watched TV.
- Greg: Oh? What shows did you watch?
- Hoon: It’s called Midnight Mystery. Are you familiar with it?
- Greg: I can’t say that I am. What’s it about?
- Hoon: Well, it’s about…
Why is this better?
While not giving substantially more detail than the previous conversation, Hoon is giving enough to avoid signaling that he does not want to talk and to enable Greg to further the conversation with follow-up questions. Naturally, giving more details would be even better.
Scenario Spotlight: Student-Teacher Interaction
Professor O’brien is Yisheng’s major professor, and the two are having one of their regular meetings. Yisheng has noticed that other students seem to have a closer relationship with Professor O’brien, and he would like to develop such a relationship too.
Conversation 1 (Less effective):
- Professor O’brien: How are you?
- Yisheng: Fine, thanks.
- Professor O’brien: Did you have a good break?
- Yisheng: Yeah, I did some traveling with friends.
- Professor O’brien: Oh? Where did you go?
- Yisheng: We went to Chicago.
- Professor O’brien: I happen to be from Chicago. Did you have fun?
- Yisheng: Yeah. It was a good trip.
- Professor O’brien: Sounds good. Well, let’s get to our agenda for today’s meeting.
- Yisheng: Okay.
Why is this less effective?
While Yisheng is giving some information, it is just enough to keep the conversation going but not enough to make a connection with his major professor. But what if Yisheng is worried about asking something too personal? Well, let’s look at the next conversation for some ideas.
Conversation 2 (Do THIS instead!):
- Professor O’brien: How are you?
- Yisheng: I’m doing well. How are you?
- Professor O’brien: Still recovering from the holidays! Did you have a good break?
- Yisheng: Yeah! I went to Chicago with some friends. What do you think of Chicago-style pizza?
- Professor O’brien: I love it! I’m originally from Chicago and periodically find myself missing it.
- Yisheng: Oh, I didn’t know that. My friends and I went to Mario’s for pizza. Are you familiar with it?
- Professor O’brien: Ah, good choice! I would also recommend Luigi’s. Did you happen to notice if it’s still around?
- Yisheng: Yeah! That was one of the other pizzerias my friends and I considered. If we go to Chicago again, we’ll be sure to go there. What would you recommend we order?
- Professor O’brien: Well, Luigi’s signature pizza is the Mushroom Supreme, so I always recommend that for first-time patrons.
- Yisheng: Thank you. I will keep that in mind!
- Professor O’brien: Excellent. Well, let’s get to our agenda for today’s meeting.
Why is this better?
The added detail and especially the several questions directed to Professor O’brien allow Yisheng a window into Professor O’brien’s personality and background. This is important for building a closer relationship. Additionally, the topics of travel and restaurants are safe ones to explore.
