Starting English Conversation
Some people say that starting English conversation is very difficult. That is why, this group of people will try to avoid doing any English conversation. However, some other people have different point of view. It means they are eager to make English conversation. In reality, every business people is required to be able to communicate in English, especially when doing any business with foreign people. The following list consists of several essential notes about how to start English conversation.
1. Realizing that English is a foreign language for us, it is not necessary to be ashamed to do any mistakes while making conversation, especially on grammatical problems. Very often, we may learn from the mistakes.
2. Remember, the most important one on conversation is that the other people can understand what you mean. Therefore, grammatical error does not mean “death” on conversation.
3. There are three common ways we can apply to start English conversation especially with someone we do not recognize. They are:
A. Good morning. I’m Justinus from Indonesia. Can I talk with you?
B. Hello. My name is Jokawi from Indonesia. Are you free for a moment?
C. Excuse me. I’m Maya from Indonesia. May I disturb you?
4. There are some common phrases which are usually used on conversation. Some of them are :
– How do you do!
– How are you?
– Repeat please!
– How do you spell your name?
– I see.
– You’re welcome
The remaining phrases can be found on your Business English Module Page 5.
5. Sometimes, we would like to know furthermore information about someone’s identity like name, address, occupation etc. To do that, please complete the Mind Mapping of Personal Identity, on your English Module, Page 6.
6. It is natural for someone to create a good conversation. To achieve it that he may follow two things. First, try to find out as soon as possible what someone likes and dislikes as well. Second, talk all things that he likes so that he will feel warm. Needless to say that foreign people are not interested to talk about certain things such as: age, marital status, and religion. On the other hand, they prefer talking about job, nationality, address and education.
7. For exercises, listening the conversation on your English Module Page, 7 and 8, Track 6, 7, 3, 5 and Track 12.
8. For lecturer, please drill your student to pronounce some geographical names on English Module page. 10.
9. Remember what the quotation says that “Practice Makes Perfect”. It means, the more frequently you do conversation, the more mistakes you can overcome.
Thanks