What are conversational skills? conversation elt speaking

By Dr Jeremy Koay

A limited view

Conversations are generally thought of as casual informal chats which are primarily used to build rapport. However, conversations can take place in a more formal context and can have a variety of purposes, including persuading, demonstrating expertise or...

Read more >
Strategies for handling small talk conversation elt oral communication small talk strategies

By Dorothy Cleary

On the face of it, small talk looks simple. Conversations tend to be short-lived, topics are fairly predictable and repetitive, and most workplaces provide lots of incidental practice in this essential workplace skill.

However, small talk is extremely complex and difficult. It...

Read more >
I can’t have a conversation in English adult learning background knowledge conversation culture elt esol teaching cultural information

By Dorothy Cleary

I could not count the number of ESOL learners, many of whom were competent high-level English speakers, who have looked hopefully at me and said, “I want to improve my speaking. I don’t know how to have a conversation.”

My heart always sinks, because at their...

Read more >