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In business there are times when you need to speak English socially, for example when you go out for a meal with an English-speaking client or colleague. It is important, therefore, to know some of the expressions used in these more informal situations. In everyday situations, we have to consider the correct use of diferent expressions. ESL students practice dialogs, expressions, formal and informal conversations in class. This allows you to gain confidence as you have to constantly interact with one another. You not only see new expressions but also begin to apply them, thus fluency improves.

Since social English has to do with a wide variety of expressions and topics, it is good to have a wide view of all the conversations that might come up with a native speaker.                                

When students travel and once they arrive to that country, they will need the basics or else, they will not succeed in interacting with the locals.

For business travelers, as mentioned above, it is a challenge to sit in front of a native and maintain a one-hour or two-hour meeting or conversation on diferent topics. It may even become stressful, especially if you don’t feel confident with the language. For this reason, these short dialogs are useful when it comes having a conversation.

In the following, you’ll see some common responses, replies, and short conversations:

A: Thanks very much for everything.
B: Not at all. It´s been a pleasure.

A: Are you staying long?
B: Only a few days.

A: My name’s Mary Smith.    
B: Pleased to meet you. I´m Jane Ford.

A: The food’s quite good here. Isn’t it?  
B: Yes, it is.

A: I’ve still got a few things left to do. 
B: Is there anything I can do to help?

A: I really must be going.
B: Oh, so soon?

A: Would you like to come for supper afterwards?
B: That would be very nice, thanks.

A: Have a good weekend.
B. Thanks, you too.

A: How’s your headache?    
B: No better. I´m afraid.

A: You won’t believe this but we’ve won!
B:  Congratulations!

A: Are you enjoying your stay?
B: Yes, very much, thanks.

A: Can I get you a coffee?
B: No thanks. I’ve just had one.

A: Where are you staying?
B. At the Holiday Inn.

A: Is this your first visit to the U.S.?
B: Actually, I’ve been here before.  

A: How do you like the weather here?
B. The weather is great.

A: How about some lunch? 
B: Sure!

A: Tell me Kevin, what do you like doing in your free time?
B: I enjoy relaxing by the beach.

A: Would you mind waiting a moment?
B: Not at all.

A: I have to leave, I´m afraid I´m in a hurry.
B: No problem. We’ll take it from here tomorrow.

A: Would you like another cup of coffee?
B. No, thanks.

A: Can I call you a taxi?
B: That’s ok. My friend is picking me up.

A: Can you call me a taxi?
B: Yes. Sure.

Try using some of these in your ESL class. It’s the perfect time to practice and gain confidence before venturing into a real life setting.

If you liked this article, tell all your friends about it. They’ll thank you for it. If you have a blog or website, you can link to it or even post it to your own site (don’t forget to mention www.englishlci.com as the original source).

ESL students all have one main frustration in common. Your teachers at your ESL school, family, everyone you know tell you that the best way to improve your English speaking skills is to practice, practice, and practice. Get out there and put everything you’re learning in your ESL class to good use. So, you go out, armed to the teeth with great vocabulary, useful expressions, and motivation to spare, but…you don’t know how to start a conversation. It can be awkward enough for those who are native speakers, imagine for those who are learning the language and perhaps are able to handle only the basics.

No matter what your level is, no matter how long you’ve been taking ESL classes, everyone has to practice. If you’re unsure as to the best way to start a conversation, here are some sure-fire hits:

1) Seize an opportunity to make a comment
If you happen to be a social event, like someone’s birthday party, Christmas dinner, or run-of-the-mill informal gathering, comment on the food, music, or décor. Chose someone to direct the comment to and say something like, “This is delicious! Do you know what this is?” or “I love this song! Do you like Gwen Stefani?” The conversation should flow from there on. Don’t forget to introduce yourself at an opportune moment.

2) Pick someone to introduce yourself to
At a social event, you may recognize someone from school, the gym, or any of your extracurricular activities. Just walk up to the individual in question and say, “Hi! You attend classes at …, don’t you? I’m …., by the way.” Maybe you know who someone is although you haven’t been properly introduced. Starting a conversation is as easy as saying, “Hi there! You’re John’s brother, aren’t you?”

3) Ask a question
Asking someone a question is an infallible way to start a conversation. You may use any excuse like, “Excuse me. Do you know what this is?” (about exotic food) or “Are you a friend of Sarah’s or Michael’s?” (at a wedding). Your options should be obvious depending on the situation. Other useful questions are:
-    “Where are you from?” (to a foreign-looking person – another ESL learner, perhaps!)
-    “Do you work/study with Josh?”
-    “How do you know Jack?”
-    “I’m not from here. Is this a typical/important tradition/custom in the US? (about Halloween/Thanksgiving or any American holiday).

Remember to say Hi or Hello first; smile and try to sound friendly and honestly interested in talking to the person. Wait and see what their answer is before going on with the next question. Don’t attack an unsuspecting individual with an arsenal of questions.

So, overcome your shyness; don’t worry about your accent or pronunciation. Try to do the best you can, after all, you’re not being tested here, like at your ESL school. The goal is to communicate! You should strive to be spontaneous and speak English in a real, informal setting. It may be difficult at first, but, as we say, “if at first you don’t succeed, try and try again”, and you’ll notice improvement in no time. You’ll be speaking like one of the locals. And making friends at the same time! What more could you ask for?

If you liked this article, tell all your friends about it. They’ll thank you for it. If you have a blog or website, you can link to it or even post it to your own site (don’t forget to mention www.englishlci.com as the original source).