THE SECRET TO HAVING

AMAZING
CONVERSATIONS
IN ENGLISH
KEITH O'HARE
 Helping you Become a
Confident English Speaker

Many IELTS students lack

confidence in their speaking
skills.

The Keith Speaking Academy

helps you develop your speaking
skills so you can face the
examiner with confidence and
ace the IELTS test.

This PDF is one of many that Keith

has developed to help you do this.

Keith has been working in international education for over 20

years as a teacher, teacher trainer, and education manager.

He has helped over 40,000 students prepare for their IELTS

Speaking test with his online courses.

COPYRIGHT © 2023, KEITH SPEAKING ACADEMY

Are you an English student who often finds it difficult to keep
conversations going in English?

If so, relax because you are not alone.

Many students master English in a classroom setting but struggle when

it comes to real-life conversations, which don't follow a script and can
suddenly switch topics as abruptly as an Italian taxi driver changes
lanes. But, worry not. I am about to reveal the secret to having amazing
conversations in English.

Focusing on three crucial aspects: starting a conversation, developing

it, and changing the topic, will help you immensely. I will also provide
some handy tips on how to end a conversation politely. By the end of
this PDF, you'll feel more confident in having natural conversations in
English. Ready? Let's dive in!

COPYRIGHT © 2023, KEITH SPEAKING ACADEMY

 Starting a Conversation in English

Imagine this: You're about to speak to a friend, colleague, or even

someone you've just met. You might begin with a "Hi, how's things?" or
"What's new?" Usually, you'll receive a brief response like "Nothing new,"
or "Same old, same old."

While these are useful greetings, they don't stimulate conversations. To

make your dialogues more engaging, try asking specific questions like
the following,

What have you been up

to recently?
What did you do
yesterday?
What have you been
working on these days?
What's been keeping you
busy lately?

Remember, better questions

give better answers.

COPYRIGHT © 2023, KEITH SPEAKING ACADEMY

 Developing a Conversation in English

Most English learners often use the five "Wh-" questions (Who, What,
When, Where, Why) to carry forward a conversation.

This may result in a conversation like the following:

Tom: I went shopping yesterday

You: Where did you go?
Tom: My local supermarket
You: What did you buy?

Although these questions keep the conversation going, using them

excessively can turn a friendly chat into a police interrogation!

A better approach is to pick up on the last theme mentioned and

develop it into a new theme. For instance, in response to "I went
shopping yesterday," you can say, "Really? I find shopping such a chore,"
and lead the conversation to talk about shopping experiences, and
other new themes like, the price of goods or even new recipes.

Overall, to develop a conversation naturally, I would say a mix of asking

follow-up questions with ‘Wh-“ questions as well as developing new
themes is the best approach

COPYRIGHT © 2023, KEITH SPEAKING ACADEMY

 Changing the Topic in a Conversation

Have you ever found yourself stuck in a conversation and wanting to

change the topic without being rude?

Phrases like "Anyway..." or "By the way..." are the best way to do it. For
instance, you could say, "Anyway, I went to a party last night," shifting
the topic from shopping to your recent social event.

Also, phrases like “By the way, I was going to ask you…" can smoothly
transition the conversation to a different subject. Notice, in English we
often use the past tense here just to be more polite.

Here’s an example that might change the direction of the topic above
on shopping,

By the way, do you know any good vegetarian recipes? My

vegetarian friend is coming for dinner and I have no idea what to
cook!

COPYRIGHT © 2023, KEITH SPEAKING ACADEMY

 Ending a Conversation Politely

Knowing how to conclude a conversation politely is equally important. If

you need to leave, you can use phrases like "Listen, I've got to go," or
"Well, I must be off." If you want to show consideration for the other
person's time, you could say, "I don’t want to keep you," or "I'll let you
get on with your work." Finally, part on a positive note with "It was great
chatting.”

Mastering the art of conversation in English doesn't happen overnight. It

requires practice, the right questions, and most importantly, active
listening. With these strategies, you're well on your way to having
amazing, natural conversations in English.

COPYRIGHT © 2023, KEITH SPEAKING ACADEMY

If you want to start practicing you conversations in English, why not join
my online course, IELTS Speaking Success - Get a Band 7+GOLD?

There are daily online Breakout Rooms where you can practice speaking
with other students on the course on a range of different topics.

Find lots more resources at

WWW.KEITHSPEAKINGACADEMY.COM

COPYRIGHT © 2023, KEITH SPEAKING ACADEMY