This English Lesson is about improving your confidence in speaking English by learning to start a conversation with anyone!
Do you wish you had more opportunities to practice speaking English? You have the right idea. Once you reach a certain level, Speaking English once a week is not enough for you to improve.
In fact, practicing speaking as frequently as possible or immersing yourself is a proven method for learning languages effectively. And if you want to speak English often, you need to make having conversations in English your new habit.
Besides, starting conversations in English is an essential business skill you can use to boost your career.
The only problem is…you’re not sure how to start a conversation in English. Or who you could practice speaking English with.
Read on for my 6 favorite, fun, and proven tips for starting conversations with English speakers–in all kinds of situations.
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What you’ll learn in this article:
1. How to practice speaking English with tourists!
2. Start conversations in English while visiting a city.
3. English conversations you can begin at a hotel.
4. Conversation starters in English at a restaurant.
5. How to start casual conversations in English with colleagues you know.
6. How to start casual conversations in English with colleagues you don’t know.
7. Resources for speaking to anyone (in English) from business publications for native speakers.
1. How to practice speaking English with tourists!
Do you live in a place where tourists come to visit? You will probably see tourists looking at maps–and searching for monuments and other places.
And there’s your chance to practice your informal English.
Strike up (or start) a conversation.
Just say,
“Hi, can I help you find something?”
Or
“Hi, are you looking for something? Do you need directions?
You’ll get a chance to practice speaking English and the tourists will be grateful for the warm welcome!
Do you want help from me learning to start a conversation with anyone? Join the Free 5-Day Challenge–Live with Christina Rebuffet.
Starting conversations with confidence is just one of the 5 new English habits you’ll learn.
You’ll learn a surprising new tip for finding the courage to talk to anyone in English. And you’ll get new ways of practicing, finding time for English–in short a new way of doing things that will help you change your English now.
Sign up today for the challenge.
2. Start conversations in English while visiting a city.
And what if you’re the one doing the traveling? This is also a great chance to practice your conversation skills in English. If you’re visiting a country where they don’t speak English as a native language, that’s ok too.
You’ll get the chance to practice speaking with people who have a variety of accents–that’s very important for confidence in English.
So what should you say to start a conversation? Try this:
“Excuse me, do you speak English? I’m not from around here. Do you happen to know a good restaurant in this area?”
You’ll get to practice your English AND find a great place to eat!
3. Conversation starters in English to use at a restaurant.
Ok, you found that great restaurant–now it’s time to practice speaking English there too!
Maybe you’re lucky enough to be dining with locals. Or maybe you’re just waiting to be seated, or just talking to the server you could say:
“What do you recommend that’s good?”
People love sharing about local foods and dishes.
And if you’re talking to your server, I’m sure they’ll have some great ideas for you!
4. How to start casual conversations in English with colleagues you know.
Make great connections at work by practicing your small talk in English. With a little practice, you can learn to be great at starting conversations–in English. One of the best-known (and loved) conversations starters at work is this:
“Do you have any plans this weekend?”
Are you looking for something more original? And that is sure to get your colleagues talking? Ask them about a conversation you had before that was interesting.
“Remind me, where do you live again?”
5. How to start casual conversations in English with colleagues you don’t know.
There’s someone new at work! Aha! Another opportunity to strike up (start) a conversation in English. You might not be sure how to speak with that new colleague, but they’ll probably be really glad you made the effort.
In fact, for occasions like these, a lot of advanced and native speakers of English use conversation starters to help them get started.
A great way to begin a conversation with someone you don’t know yet when you’re speaking English is to say:
“I don’t think we’ve met.”
Then you can introduce yourself:
“I’m Christina, It’s great to meet you. What do you do here?”
You never know what new opportunities will come from a great new business relationship.
And, if you want to create great new business relationships, you’ve got to practice speaking in English with your colleagues. Besides, it’s fun!
Starting conversations with people you don’t know yet in business is a great way to improve your English. And it’s a great skill to be practicing. Because you can use it later to start conversations in English and get new clients too.
Take the next step for your English and your Business:
Improve your Business English in the comments:
The best way to become more confident using Business English is to practice!
Here’s your Confidence Challenge for this week:
- Tell us about a great, short conversation you started in English.
Further reading for professionals in English
Curious to learn more about the topic of the day? I’ve selected this excellent resource for you. It helps native speakers learn languages faster and start more conversations in English!
The New York Times: How Immersion Helps to Learn a Language
Business Insider: 9 ways to start a conversation with absolutely anyone
The Science of People: 57 Killer Conversation Starters So You Can Start A Conversation With Anyone, Anytime
Boost Your English! 5-Days: 5 smart, surprising & simple changes for confidence in English. Live with Christina Rebuffet–And Free! Are you in?
Click here to sign up for the 5-Day Challenge
Feeling stuck with your English? Fixing your problem is easier than you think. Let me help you with all my experience coaching 100s of clients, my background as a business owner, and my expertise as a Neurolanguage coach.
Start 5 new habits to help you speak, practice, and improve–now. You don’t want to miss this. Join here.
Well said many thanks