Conversation Tip #8: Engage in the surrounding world!
November 8, 2014
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Immersion in literature, current events, arts stimulates conversation Photo Source: Wikimedia Commons“When you’re curious, you find lots of interesting things to do.” -Walt Disney (1901-1966)…
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Conversation Tip #5: Search for common interests
October 18, 2014
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Finding commonalities sparks conversations Photo Source: Wikimedia Commons “Don’t walk behind me, I may not lead. Don’t walk in front of me, I may not…
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Conversation Tip #1: The right attitude is key
September 20, 2014
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Positive attitudes generate positive experiences Photo by Teresa Ling “In order to carry a positive action, we must develop here a positive vision.” -Tenzin Gyatso…
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Reflections from Fourth of July, Independence Day
July 9, 2014
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Source: Wikipedia Commons Drawing inspiration from the American holiday “I have sworn upon the altar of god eternal hostility against every form of tyranny over…
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English Teachers Confront the Billion-Person Question
June 5, 2011
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“How can rural Chinese students develop their listening and speaking skills with very limited opportunities to speak with actual native speakers in person?” This question…
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Discussing the New Year And Making Resolutions to Change in English Class
December 31, 2010
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“Everything becomes a little different as soon as it is spoken out loud.” Hermann Hesse (1877-1962), Nobel Prize winner for Literature Holidays and anniversaries often…
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Conversation Tip #10: What brings you here?
October 17, 2010
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Sometimes a simple, flexible question can create compelling conversations. “What brings you here?” remains one of my personal favorites. Many job interview experts like this…
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Conversation Tip 5: What has pleasantly surprised you today?
November 8, 2009
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What has pleasantly surprised you today? English teachers can use this question as a writing cue, during student-teacher conferences, or with co-workers. Students, especially at…
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Reading Pleasures and Conversation Starters
September 11, 2009
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Teachers, especially English teachers, love to talk about their summer reading. Reading remains a cheap pleasure and an excellent conversation starter. Can you recommend a…
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Are you prepared? Are you ready? Aren’t you nervous?
May 23, 2009
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* Are you ready? * Are you prepared? * Aren't you nervous? * Do you have enough time to do that? * When are you…
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