4 WAYS TO START A CONVERSATION IN ENGLISH
Have you tried to start a conversation with someone in English but didn’t know how to keep it going ? After – “Hi, I’m Nick…..” there is – Silence!
Starting a conversation with someone new can be nerve-racking, especially when it’s in a language that is not your native tongue. Maybe you have been to some networking events or conferences and you wanted to chat with someone in English but you just didn’t know what to say?
The best way to become a fluent English speaker is by finding opportunities to speak with native speakers as often as possible. The more you do this the more confident you will be with your speaking.
I want to help you feel confident with your English so you can walk up to a stranger and start a conversation! You never know, you may just make a new lifelong friend.
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Here are 4 great ways to start a conversation with someone. These conversation starters are especially useful at business events and conferences.
1.” I don’t think we’ve met.”
This is a confident way to introduce yourself. You can begin with “Hi / Hello / Good morning/afternoon/evening (for more formal situations)” and then of course introduce yourself “I’m Nick”.
2. “Have you been here before?”
If you are at an event in a restaurant, bar or conference centre of any kind, this is a friendly way to open a conversation. You can also say “Have you been to one of these (conferences/events/workshops etc.) before?” You can then both share your previous experiences with similar events and exchange information.
3. “How long have you known John?”
This is a great way to continue a conversation. You can ask this about the host of the event or party, or the speaker. Or you can say “How long have you been working for ………..(company name)? Or “How long have you lived in Sydney / London / New York etc.?” This will open a conversation so you can start to talk about the person you both know, your work or the city you live in.
4. “How are you enjoying the conference?”
When making conversation, we need to find something in common. This question is another way to start talking about the event, conference or workshop (or party) and share your opinions and thoughts.
Here’s an example of a conversation starter:
A: Hi / Hello, I don’t think we’ve met. I’m Nick
B: Hi Nick, I’m Sarah. How are you?
A: I’m great thanks and yourself?
B: I’m good thanks. Have you been to one of these events before?
A: No, it’s my first time. How about you?
B: Yes, I’ve been to a few. Which company do you work for (or – Do you live in Sydney?)
A: I work for Sydney International. / Yes, I live here.
B: How long have you been working for Sydney International?
A: About 5 years now…. Are you enjoying the conference?
B: Yeah, I’m enjoying it so far. The speaker is very interesting.
Now you have 4 useful ways to start a conversation with someone. So, at your next business event or social gathering, try one of these phrases and see what happens! I promise that after you will start to feel more confident, and maybe make a new friend!
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