Travel & Culture - Expanding Your Basic Conversation Skills (Intermediate)

Activity 1: Let's Get Started! 🤔 (Warm-up)

Let's discuss making conversations more engaging!

What are some common topics for "small talk" when meeting someone new in a travel context? Why are these topics generally safe and effective?
How can asking open-ended questions (questions that require more than a "yes" or "no" answer) improve a conversation? Provide an example.
Describe a situation where you successfully initiated a conversation with a stranger while traveling, or one where you wished you had. What made it successful or challenging?

Activity 2: New Words & Phrases 🗣️ (Vocabulary)

Here are some key terms and phrases for enhancing your conversational abilities at an intermediate level.

1. Initiate a conversation (verb phrase): To be the one to start talking to someone you don't know, or to introduce a new topic.

Example: "Commenting on the weather is a common way to Initiate a conversation with someone."

2. Small talk (noun phrase): Polite, informal conversation about everyday topics, especially with people you don't know well.

Example: "Being good at Small talk can make waiting in lines or attending social events more pleasant."

3. Follow-up question (noun phrase): A question you ask to get more information about something the other person has just said.

Example: "She mentioned she enjoyed hiking, so I asked a Follow-up question about her favorite trails."

4. Express an opinion (verb phrase): To state your thoughts, feelings, or beliefs about a particular subject.

Example: "It's interesting to hear others Express an opinion, even if it's different from your own, as long as it's done respectfully."

5. Active listening (noun phrase): Paying close attention to what someone is saying, showing you're engaged through nods, eye contact, and relevant responses.

Example: "Active listening is crucial for understanding others and building rapport."

6. Clarify (verb): To make (a statement or situation) less confused and more clearly comprehensible.

Example: "If you don't understand something, it's always okay to ask someone to Clarify what they mean."

Activity 3: Reading - Connecting with Locals 📖

Read this story about a traveler practicing their conversation skills.

Maria was exploring a local market in a small town. She wanted to practice her English and connect with people beyond simple transactions. She saw an elderly woman selling handmade crafts and decided to Initiate a conversation. "Good morning," Maria said with a smile, "These crafts are beautiful. Do you make them yourself?" The woman seemed pleased and started talking about her work. Maria engaged in Active listening, nodding and making eye contact. When the woman mentioned using local materials, Maria asked a Follow-up question: "That's fascinating! What kind of local materials are common in your crafts?" This led to a longer, more interesting discussion. Maria was careful to engage in polite Small talk initially, asking about the market and the weather, before gently guiding the conversation towards the crafts.

Later, at a café, Maria struck up a conversation with another tourist. They started with Small talk about their travels. The other tourist began to Express an opinion about a recent museum exhibit. Maria listened attentively and then shared her own perspective. At one point, the other tourist used an idiom Maria didn't understand. Instead of pretending, Maria politely asked, "Could you Clarify what that phrase means? I'm not familiar with it." The other tourist happily explained, and they both laughed. Maria realized that being willing to Initiate a conversation, use Follow-up questions, practice Active listening, and not being afraid to ask someone to Clarify things were key to having more meaningful interactions and expanding her basic skills into more rewarding dialogues.

Questions about the Story:

Answer these questions:

How did Maria Initiate a conversation with the craftswoman at the market?
Provide an example of a Follow-up question Maria asked.
What technique did Maria use to show she was engaged when the craftswoman spoke?
What did Maria do when she didn't understand an idiom used by the other tourist?
According to Maria's realization, what were two key elements for having more meaningful interactions?

Activity 4: Role Play - A Chat at a Coffee Shop 🎭

Let's pretend! One person is Alex (Traveler), and the other is Ben (Local Resident).

Alex (Traveler): Excuse me, is this seat taken? (Initiates conversation)

Ben (Local Resident): No, please, go ahead. It's quite busy today, isn't it? (Engages in Small talk)

Alex (Traveler): It really is! I'm just visiting for a few days. This coffee is excellent. Do you come here often?

Ben (Local Resident): Yes, I live nearby. It's my favorite spot. Are you enjoying your visit so far?

Alex (Traveler): Very much! I went to the art museum yesterday. It was fantastic. (Expresses an opinion)

Ben (Local Resident): Oh, the City Art Museum? That's a great choice! What did you enjoy most about it? (Asks a Follow-up question, practices Active listening)

Alex (Traveler): I particularly liked the impressionist collection. The way they use light is just incredible. What's your take on that wing?

Ben (Local Resident): I agree, it's stunning. Though, I must admit, I'm more drawn to the modern sculpture section. The innovation there really speaks to me. Sometimes people find it a bit "out there," if you know what I mean.

Alex (Traveler): "Out there"? Could you Clarify that expression for me?

Ben (Local Resident): Oh, sure! It just means unusual or unconventional. But definitely worth seeing! (Clarifies)

Let's Talk About It:

After you read, talk about this:

How did Alex Initiate the conversation? What Small talk topic did Ben use?
Identify one Follow-up question Ben asked. How does it show Active listening?

Activity 5: Let's Practice - Building a Dialogue ✍️

Help Sofia (Traveler) complete her part of a conversation with a Local Person at a park. Use words and phrases from Activity 2!

Local Person: Beautiful day in the park, isn't it?

Sofia (Traveler): It really is! I was just admiring the flowers. This is my first time here. (Attempts to )

Local Person: Oh, welcome! Yes, this park is a local favorite. Are you visiting from far?

Sofia (Traveler): Yes, from quite a distance. This kind of friendly is lovely. You mentioned it's a local favorite; what do people enjoy most about it?

Local Person: Many enjoy the walking trails and the pond. We also have outdoor concerts here in the summer.

Sofia (Traveler): Outdoor concerts! That sounds wonderful. (Asks a ) What kind of music do they usually feature?

Local Person: A bit of everything, from classical to jazz. It's a great atmosphere. I think it's important for a city to have such spaces.

Sofia (Traveler): I agree. It's nice to about community spaces. It shows what the city values. (Practices by nodding) You said "jazz under the stars" earlier, could you what that event is like?

Local Person: Oh, that's just a poetic way of saying jazz concerts in the evening, outdoors! It's very relaxed.

Show Answers! (Activity 5) ✨