Compelling Conversations logo
Sophisticated English for Global Souls
1-855-375-2665 - U.S./Canada
1-310-390-0131 - Outside U.S.
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...
25
OCT
2014

Conversation Tip #6: As always, consider context

Context determines boundaries of conversation “Respect for ourselves guides our morals; respect for others guides our manners.” -Laurence Sterne (1713-1768) Anglo-Irish novelist How wonderful that there are so many possible relationships to cultivate through conversation!...
18
OCT
2014

Conversation Tip #5: Search for common interests

Finding commonalities sparks conversations “Don’t walk behind me, I may not lead. Don’t walk in front of me, I may not follow. Just walk beside me and be my friend.” -Albert Camus (1913-1960), French novelist and Nobel Prize winnerWe can learn a great deal...
27
SEP
2014

Conversation Tip #2: Listen louder!

Without listening, there’s no conversation “There is a difference between listening and waiting for your turn to speak.” -Simon Sinek (1973- ) English businessman, author and philanthropistDo your students pay attention to what others are saying in a conversation? About half the...
20
SEP
2014

Conversation Tip #1: The right attitude is key

Positive attitudes generate positive experiences “In order to carry a positive action, we must develop here a positive vision.” -Tenzin Gyatso (1935- ) the 14th Dalai LamaSo often our desire to have meaningful conversations overshadows the reason why we want to have them in the...
20
JUL
2014

How do you teach the difference between “a” and “the” during conversation class?

Helping English language learners distinguish articles remains important in advanced ESL and English conversation classes “Great things are done by a series of small things brought together.” ―Vincent Van Gogh (1853-1890) Dutch painter Does it make sense to emphasize the...
10
JUL
2014

Paraphrasing is an Essential Conversation Skill!

If English students can accurately paraphrase a reading, a radio segment, or a verbal statement, they can actively participate in common conversations and classroom discussions. Many English teachers underestimate the importance of this skill, and assume students understand more...