Compelling Conversations logo
Sophisticated English for Global Souls
1-855-375-2665 - U.S./Canada
1-310-390-0131 - Outside U.S.
09
OCT
2021

Six Conversation Tips for English Language Learners and English Teachers!

We learn from conversations every day. What, for instance, did you learn in conversations in the last 24 hours? What can be learned from conversations in the coming week? Conversations matter, and bringing a positive spirit to new conversations helps create more positive...
23
JUL
2021

Can we make more time for conversations inside and outside of English classrooms?

English teachers must, therefore, explicitly teach these conversation skills.  The asking, understanding, and responding to questions remains a complicated skill. It's also a vital communication ability both inside and outside our ESL classrooms. Students need to practice and...
23
FEB
2017
Outdoor Date

Review: How to Have More Engaging Conversations in Everyday Life

“Confidence contributes more to a conversation than wit.” – Francois de La Rochefoucauld (1613-1680), French writer   How can we help English language learners in the U.S. have more long-lasting, compelling conversations with native speakers? Sometimes it can be difficult to...
06
NOV
2015
Firefighters with water hose

Changing Work Titles & Greater Equality

“Habits change into character.” ~Ovid (43 BCE-17 CE), Ancient Roman poet Which is correct: fireman or firefighter? The answer is both! But one has been gaining traction lately, along with many other gender-neutral terms for occupational titles. Here’s why: Many...
30
OCT
2015
Three cheerful friends drinking coffee

Compelling American Conversations – Teacher Edition Comes Out!

“Our progress as a nation can be no swifter than our progress in education. The human mind is our fundamental resource.” ~ John F. Kennedy (1917-1963), 35th President of the U.S.   Are you a teacher looking for fresh tips to flip your classroom discussions? Do...
28
OCT
2015
smiling female student studying in classroom

Compelling Conversations – Japan Focuses on Fluency and Authentic Communication for Japanese English Language Learners

“The most important thing we learn at school is the fact that the most important things can’t be learned at school.” ~Haruki Murakami (1949- ), Japanese author     Do your English students want to speak more English? Do you currently teach Japanese...
22
NOV
2014
Girlfriends

Conversation Tip #10: Know when to wrap-up

Ending conversations and looking forward to new ones!   “We keep moving forward, opening new doors, and doing new things, because we’re curious and curiosity keeps leading us down new paths.” -Walt Disney (1901-1966) American business magnate, animator, producerEvery...
15
NOV
2014
Two students in a discussion

Conversation Tip #9: Ask questions

Questions keep the conversation flowing   “Judge a man by his questions rather than his answers.” -Voltaire (1694-1778) French Enlightenment WriterAsking questions always generates more conversation; after all, an answer always follows. As mentioned before,...
08
NOV
2014

Conversation Tip #8: Engage in the surrounding world!

Immersion in literature, current events, arts stimulates conversation   “When you’re curious, you find lots of interesting things to do.” -Walt Disney (1901-1966) American business magnate, animatorAre your students sometimes unsure of what to talk about? Perhaps they...
01
NOV
2014

Conversation Tip #7: Appreciate silence

Accept–and enjoy–the inevitability of silence! “Silence is the sleep that nourishes wisdom.” -Francis Bacon (1561-1626) English philosopher Many Americans feel uncomfortable with silence, even on crowded elevators or standing in lines with strangers. Some Americans...