Starting a conversation
In this lesson, you’ll learn essential business English phrases for effective communication in professional settings.
Part 1
Warm-up
Answer the questions
What did we discuss in the last lesson?
Have you ever had experience of attending an event where almost all the attendees were strangers ? How did it go?
Part 2
Vocabulary
Read the word, its’ meaning, and the examples
Then make up your own sentences using the word.
networking
/ˈnetwɜːrkɪŋ/
a system of trying to meet and talk to other people who may be useful to you in your work
Networking is crucial for finding new job opportunities and advancing your career.
Networking is an essential skill in today's job market.
conference
/ˈkɑːnfərəns/
a large official meeting, usually lasting for a few days, at which people with the same work or interests come together to discuss their views
Networking at the business conference helped them secure several new clients.
She spoke at a big conference last week.
embarrassed
/ɪmˈbærəst/
shy, uncomfortable or ashamed, especially in a social situation
She was embarrassed to ask a silly question.
He was embarrassed by the mistake he made during the presentation.
comfort zone
/ˈkʌm.fərt ˌzoʊn/
a situation in which you feel comfortable and you do not have to do anything new or difficult
Trying new things can push you out of your comfort zone.
Being in my comfort zone makes me feel safe and secure.
interrupt
/ˌɪntəˈrʌpt/
to say or do something that makes somebody stop what they are saying or doing
Sorry to interrupt, but there's someone to see you.
They were interrupted by a knock at the door.
Make up your own sentences using the words.
Part 3
Useful expressions
Teacher guides the student the useful expressions
Icebreaker questions:
- Do you mind if I sit here?
- Is anyone sitting here?
- What do you think of the conference?
- How did you like the presentation?
- Great conference, isn’t it?
- So, what brought you here today?
- How did you hear about this event?
Leaving a conversation:
- I really must be going.
- I have another appointment I need to get to.
- It was great talking to you.
- It was nice meeting you.
- Enjoy the rest of the day.
- Can I get your contact information to stay in touch?
Part 4
Dialogue Practice
Practice the conversation with teacher
Jane
Excuse me, Do you mind if I sit here?
No, not at all. Go ahead.
David
Jane
Thanks. My name is Jane.
Nice to meet you, Jane. I’m David.
David
Jane
Nice to meet you too, David. Are you here for the presentation about the new product?
Yes, I am. I’m really interested in seeing what new features they have introduced. How about you?
David
Jane
Same here. I work in IT and we use their products a lot. I’m hoping to learn more about how this new product could help us.
That’s great. I’m a project manager and have been using their products for years. Conferences like this are always so informative.
David
Jane
That’s great to hear! It sounds like you have a lot of interesting tasks.
Yes, I do. Recently, I helped launch a new line of smart home devices, which was very exciting. Plus, I get to travel frequently for work, which I enjoy.
David
Jane
That sounds amazing! It must be very fulfilling to see your hard work pay off.
Absolutely. Seeing our sales numbers go up and knowing that I played a part in that is very satisfying.
David
Jane
Thank you for sharing about your job. It was great talking with you!
Thank you! It was my pleasure. Have a great day!
David
Jane
You too! Goodbye!
You are at a presentation about anything that you want to talk about ( maybe a conference about ST related to your job) . You want to take a seat next to a stranger, so you ask for permission. You start introducing yourselves. Your teacher will act as the stranger.
You can use prompts below, or you can just freely express yourself with teacher.
You
Excuse me, Do you mind if I sit here?
No, not at all. Go ahead.
Teacher
You
Thanks. My name is _____.
Nice to meet you, _____. I’m _____.
Teacher
You
Nice to meet you too, _____. Are you here for the _____?
Yes, I am. I’m really interested in _____. How about you?
Teacher
You
Same here. I work in_____. I’m hoping to learn more about how this new product could help us.
That’s great to hear! It sounds like you have a lot of interesting tasks.
Teacher
You
Yes, I do. Recently, I _____.
That sounds amazing! It must be very fulfilling to see your hard work pay off.
Teacher
You
Absolutely.
Thank you for sharing about your job. It was great talking with you!
Teacher
You
Thank you! It was my pleasure. Have a great day!
Part 5
Reading comprehension
Read the article and answer questions.
Teacher helps student correct their pronunciation.
Breaking the ice
Breaking the ice in a business setting, such as a conference or networking event, can be essential for building relationships and easing any initial awkwardness. To start, one might ask simple questions about the event or share a light-hearted comment. This helps everyone feel less embarrassed and more comfortable. Introducing a short, fun activity can also help participants step out of their comfort zones without feeling too pressured. It’s important not to interrupt ongoing conversations but to find natural pauses to join in. Discussing potential business opportunities or recent industry trends can be engaging topics. By creating a friendly atmosphere, attendees are more likely to open up and connect, leading to meaningful networking and effective teamwork.
Check your understanding
What is the main idea of this paragraph?
Can you suggested some ways to start breaking the ice? ( you can based on the paragraph or you can use your own ideas)
Part 6
Discussion
Let’s use the vocabulary you’ve learned during the lesson and talk about the following topics/questions freely!
Teacher helps student expand and correct the answers
Do you often talk to strangers?
Do you find it easy to start conversations with strangers? Why? Why not?
When was the last time you had a conversation with a stranger?
What do you think about business networking events? Have you ever been to one?
How can effective small talk improve your career?
Do you prefer to talk or listen during a conversation?
Which topic do you think we should discuss with someone you just met?
Which topic do you think we should avoid discussing with someone you just met?
Review
Let’s review the lesson with teacher
5 words and phrases in the lesson
Useful expressions for starting a conversation
See you next lesson
Homework
Do homework
Write a sentence for each vocabulary
