B1 Dialog #86 Talking about conversation in English

Today we are going to talk about a conversation. As always you can read the text in the PDF which you can find in the description. Follow our podcasts on iTunes and Yandex Music. For more new dialogs subscribe to our channel.

How to work with the dialog?

  1. Listen to the dialog and read the PDF transcript. Turn on subtitles if necessary.
  2. Listen to the dialog again, repeating the questions and answers aloud (!!!).
  3. Come up with your own answers to the questions. Use PDF vocabulary if needed.
  4. Listen to the questions and answer them aloud (!!!), with a correct intonation, pronunciation and rhythm.
  5. Come back to the video from time to time and repeat the exercise.

Talking about conversation

(1) Are you good at small talk and making conversation?

I like having small talks with people. I think I am good at making conversation, but it pretty much depends on the topic. 

(2) When was the last time you had a really, really interesting conversation?

I had a really interesting conversation a few weeks ago! We talked about transportation in English!

(3) Do you like intelligent conversation?

I like intelligent conversation if it’s not too difficult. It’s always interesting to talk to intelligent people.

(4) What do you think of your English conversation classes?

I don’t study English with a teacher now. But I think that a good teacher knows how to make classes effective.

(5) How do you feel when people interrupt you in the middle of an important conversation?

I think no one likes it. And it’s not polite to interrupt people. So I don’t like when someone interrupts me.

(6) If you were a fly on the wall, which conversation in history would you like to listen to?

It’s a good question, but a difficult one. I think it would be interesting to listen to a conversation between countries’ leaders. 

(7) What do you do when you hear your name pop up in other people’s conversations?

I try to listen to what people talk about. If it’s something about me, I prefer to join a conversation. 

(8) Are you OK at everyday conversation in English?

Yes I am. I think I can discuss most everyday topics in English. And our YouTube channel is a good practice for me!

(9) Someone once said: “Conversation is an exercise of the mind; gossip is merely an exercise of the tongue.” What does this mean? Do you agree?

Yes I do agree! Gossip is mostly useless for the mind, but it’s much easier than a real conversation. That’s why people like it!

(10) Robert C. Gallagher   said: “Anyone who thinks the art of conversation is dead ought to tell a child to go to bed.” What does this mean? Do you agree?

It means that the art of conversation is still important. Even for such a small thing like telling a child to go to bed!

Anya —-> Rinat

(1) What springs to mind when you hear the word ‘conversation’?

I think about communication between people. Conversation is an essential part of our life. No matter where we live or where we come from. 

(2) People say conversation is an art. Do you think so?

Yes indeed. It’s not easy to be a good speaker. Not everyone can do this. Conversation is a real art! That’s for sure!

(3) What topics of conversation do you enjoy most?

I like talking about space and human beings. I would love to know if there is anybody on other planets and galaxies. It’s so interesting!

(4) Do you like listening to other people’s conversations?

Sometimes. I think everybody likes listening to other people’s conversations. People are so curious!

(5) Have you ever overheard a conversation you wish you hadn’t?

I can’t remember anything like that. I think I have never heard such a conversation.

(6) Who in life do you find it difficult to strike up a conversation with?

I have some fellows that are really difficult to talk with. But I always try to listen to people and not to quarrel with them. We all are different. We have different thoughts and opinions. It’s a normal thing.

(7) What common conversation starters do you use?

I don’t know. It depends on the situation. I think that the most common conversation starter is asking “How are you?”.

(8) How long are your phone conversations?

I don’t like talking on the phone too long. I prefer to have real conversations with people. 

(9) Oscar Wilde said: “Conversation about the weather is the last refuge of the unimaginative.” What does this mean? Do you agree with him?

I think it’s partly true. People usually talk about the weather if they don’t know what to talk about. But I wouldn’t judge them for that.

(10) A Chinese proverb says: “A single conversation across the table with a wise person is worth a month’s study of books.” Do you agree?

Yeah, I agree. It’s always good and useful to have a conversation with a wise person. It’s a smart proverb!