Talk about it
- Do you agree with the analogy that conversation styles are like sports?
- What’s your conversation style? What sport is your conversational style like?
- Is the American conversation style different from yours? How?
- Have you had experience with other conversation styles that are different from yours? Explain.
- How can someone become more ‘fluent’ in a different conversational style?
- Why is it important to learn about cultural styles of communication?
Here are some expressions you can use:
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Giving your opinion |
So I think… It seems to me… In my experience/country/family… |
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Checking |
Do you mean….? Are you asking…? Are you talking about…? |
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Thinking time |
Hmmmmm… Let me think (about that). I’m not really sure… I haven’t really thought about that before. |
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Complimenting |
That’s a good question. Good point. |
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Choosing not to answer |
(Change the subject.) It's so hot/cold/rainy today! Hmm, that’s a little personal. I’d rather not talk about that. |
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Involving other people |
What do you think? How about you? |