What's your first name?

My first name? Christopher, but my friends call me Chris.

Do you have a full-time job?
Yes, I do. I'm a server in a fish restaurant.
or
No, I don't. I don't have a job. I'm a full-time student.
Does your best friend live nearby?
Yes, he does. He lives two blocks away from me.
or

What do you do on weekends?

Let me think. In the summer, I often go to the beach. In the winter, I
go shopping at the mall. In the evenings, I often go to the movies.
What does your neighbor do for a living?
My neighbor is a writer. He writes blogs and sports reports for a
news website.
Do you live alone?
Yes, I do. I love it. But my apartment's not far from my parents'
house.
or
No, I don't. I live with my parents, my brother, and my grandmother.

You know, I'm always nervous on first dates.

Lesley

I am too

 I guess I'm not very outgoing.

David

I'm not either

I guess          

. So, what do you like to do in your free time?

 Lesley

Well, I go to rock concerts.

David

I am too
      

. I'm a big fan of Kings of Leon.

Lesley

      

. They're my favorite group. I mean, I can listen to their music for hours.

David

      

. Do you have all their songs?

Lesley

No, I don't. I don't have The End.

David

      
 

. But I want to buy it.

Later

Lesley

What do you do on the weekends? I mean, do you eat out a lot?

David

No. I don't usually go to restaurants.

Lesley

      

. I like to eat at home.

David
Oh, are you a good cook?

Lesley

Um, no. I'm not a good cook.

David

      

. But I like to cook.

Lesley

Do you ever cook Italian food?

David

Sure. I love pasta and pizza.

Lesley

      

David

That's amazing! We have a lot in common. Do you like sports?

Lesley

Um, no . . .
 David

Really? I'm a big sports fan. I watch sports all weekend.

Lesley

Oh . . .

Dave: I'd like to make friends, but I don't know how. Do you have any suggestions?

Look for people with the same interests. What do you like to do? Do you enjoy sports? Join a
sports team or a running club. Do you read a lot? Find a book club in your neighborhood. You can
always find clubs on the Internet. Also, don't be shy at work or school. Smile and say, "Hi. How's it
going?" to three people tomorrow.

Niki: I feel shy around new people. How can I improve my conversation skills?

Always have a list of questions ready for conversations with people you don't know. For example,
ask general questions like, "Do you come here a lot?" or "Do you live around here?" Be sure to
listen to the answers and ask follow up questions, too. You can also talk about things like the
weather, for example, "It's cold tonight." Make eye contact and say, "Yes," "Hmm," "Uh-huh,"
"Right," and "I know." And smile! Everyone loves a smile, so just relax and be yourself.