Speaking Strategies (2)

- Questions for Clarification:

This means talking to English-speakers and asking for them to repeat, paraphrase (summarize in
different words), explain or give examples. You can say:
+ Repeat: "I'm sorry, I didn't catch that, can you say that again?"
+ Paraphrase: "I'm sorry, I'm not sure what you mean. Can you tell me again?"
+ Explain: "Could you explain that for me?"
+ Examples: "Could you give me an example?"
-

Showing interest:

When people are talking, they want to show that they are listening and that they are interested
in the conversation. English speakers do this by making eye contact, by nodding their heads,
and by using words and phrases that encourage the other speakers to continue.
Here are some expressions for showing interest:
Really?
Oh no!
Yeah?
I see
Mmmm- hmm
And?

Oh yeah?
Well?

Oh?

**Practice/ assignment:
Working in pairs, take turn to tell each other a story about a very important event in
your life. As one speaks, the other should show interest by making eye contact,
nodding and using phrases of encouragement.
Some sample topics:
1. My favourite vacation
2. A serious accident
3. The best meal I have ever eaten
4. The day I met my (boyfriend/ girlfriend/ husband/ wife)
5. My first day of high school/ college/ work
6. The most beautiful city I have ever been to.
(Please feel free to choose your own topics, if any)