Speaking 2

Speaking
Welcome to EnglishClub.com Speaking for ESL learners, to help you learn and practise the skill
of speaking English.
Speaking is the second of the four language skills, which are:
1. Listening 2. Speaking 3. Reading 4. Writing

What Is Speaking?
A basic look at what speaking is and is not, and what it involves for English learners.
The Importance of Speaking Practice
Speaking to yourself can be "dangerous" because men in white coats may come and take you
away!! That is why you should make every effort possible to find somebody to speak with.
Greetings
How to say hello in English. On these pages you can listen to and practise greeting people in a
variety of situations - from the classroom to business.
"What should I call you?"
How to Address People in English
What name or title can we use when speaking to friends, colleagues, acquaintances, teachers,
doctors etc?
Telephone English
In this lesson we look at some of the words and expressions that we use for telephoning. There
are also some practice sessions and a quiz for you to check your understanding.
Presentations & Public Speaking
Learn how to give a presentation or speak in public in English. This tutorial guides you step by
step through the process of making a presentation, from preparation to conclusion and questions.
"Well Done!!!! All the basics, in an easy to use, easy to follow format! Finally, my students
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have some high quality, free material to use!"

John Herzig, Teacher, USA
Speaking about the Weather
Even strangers discuss the weather. Learn the proper vocabulary and expressions,
and you'll find it easy to start a conversation anytime, anywhere--with

anyone you

meet!

Weather
English speakers love to talk about the weather. It is a way of breaking the ice (starting a
conversation). People talk about the weather on the phone and in person. Friends and family talk
about the weather before they discuss what's new. Co-workers talk about the weather before
starting a hard day of work. Even strangers discuss the weather. Learn the proper vocabulary and
expressions, and you will find it easy to start a conversation anytime and anywhere with anyone
you meet!
Common questions and responses about Weather
What's it like out?

It's miserable out.

How's the weather?

It's ten below. (-10 degrees)

Do you have rain?

What's the temperature

there?

We haven't had a drop of rain

for weeks.

It's 22 degrees Celsius.

It's snowing here, what's it It's pouring outside. (raining

doing there?

Beautiful day, huh?

heavily)
We couldn't ask for a better
day than this.

What's the weather

They're calling for blue skies

forecast?

all week.

One common mistake learners make when talking about the weather is mixing up
the noun, adjective and verb forms of weather words.
Example 1: How's the weather?
It is snow. Incorrect
It is snowing. Correct
It is snowy. Correct
Example 2: What's it like out?
It is rain. Incorrect
It is raining. Correct
It is rainy. Correct
Example 3: What's the weather like?
It is sun. Incorrect
It is sunny. Correct
The sun is shining. Correct
Now check out the words we use to talk about the weather, then do the quizzes to
test your understanding:

Weather Vocabulary
Word
Part of speech

Meaning

Example
Sentence

airconditioner/aircond an appliance that cools down the

The airconditioner

itioning

keeps the office

noun

air in a home or building

nice and

comfortable even
when it's very hot
outside.
The skiers were
avalanche

a dangerous slide of snow down

warned about a

noun

a mountain

possible
avalanche.

below freezing

temperature less than 0 degrees

preposition/adjective

Celsius/(32F)

It's supposed to go
below freezing
before the weekend.
The airplane

blizzard

a storm with lots of snow and

couldn't take-off

noun

wind

because of the
blizzard.

boiling hot

common expression for

adjective + noun

describing a very hot day

It was boiling hot,

so we all jumped
into the lake.
Don't bother with a

breeze
noun

light wind

hat. There is always

a breeze near the
ocean.
In the summer, the

Celsius

measurement of temperature (0

noun

degrees is freezing/100 is boiling)

average
temperature here is
20 degrees
Celsius.

chilly

cold

It's a bit chilly

today, so I think you

adjective

should wear a coat.

clear

when the sky is blue because no

adjective

clouds are blocking the sun

On a clear night
you can see a lot of
stars.
It may look cloudy

cloud/cloudy

water in the sky that appears as

noun/adjective

a white or grey mass

in the morning, but

the sun always
comes out by
afternoon.
They're calling for a

cold spell

a period of colder than average

cold spell, so we

adjective + noun

weather

put off our camping

trip.
The days were

cool

temperature in between warm

adjective

and cold

boiling hot, but the

nights were cool
and comfortable for
sleeping.
I don't feel the heat

degrees
noun

measurement for temperature

until it's about forty

degrees Celsius
outside.

drizzling
continuous verb

drought

I think I'll take the

raining slightly

dog for a walk. It's

only drizzling now.

a long period with no rainfall

Forest fires are a

serious danger

noun

during a drought.
It was 100 degrees

Fahrenheit

measurement of temperature (32

Fahrenheit when

noun

degrees is freezing/212 is boiling) we got to San

Francisco.

flood
noun

The flood was so

overflow of rain water

bad, our basement

was full of water.

flurries
noun

There are a few

very light snowfall

flurries but the

snow isn't sticking
to the roads.
We couldn't see the

fog/foggy

thick water vapor that blocks

bridge because

noun/adjective

one's vision

there was too much

fog.
According to the 5

forecast

the expected weather for the

day forecast, it's

noun/verb

future

going to rain on our

wedding day.

freezing cold

common expression used to

adjective + noun

describe a very cold day

frost
noun

It was a freezing
cold day for the
Santa Claus parade.
Some flowers are so

ice crystals on a frozen surface

strong they can

withstand frost.

I lost my hat while I

frostbite
noun

a skin condition caused by over

was skiing, and I

exposure to the cold (typically

ended up with

reddish skin with white spots)

frostbite on my
ears.
There was so much

hail

small pieces of ice that fall during hail that some of

noun

a storm

the trailer homes

were destroyed.

heat stroke
noun

heat-wave
noun

a flu-like condition one can

acquire after spending too long in
the sun

extremely hot weather that is

much higher than average-usually lasts a short time

Bring lots of water

and wear a hat to
avoid heat stroke
in this weather.
During the heatwave we cooled our
beds down with ice
packs.
It feels a lot hotter

humid/humidity
adjective/noun

moisture in the air

than it actually is
because of the
humidity.

a tropical storm with very strong

hurricane
noun

wind and rain (from Atlantic

Ocean); from Pacific Ocean it is
called a "typhoon"; from Indian
Ocean it is called a "cyclone"

icy
adjective

slippery because of ice

Half of the buildings

on the island were
flattened by the
hurricane.

The roads are icy so

please avoid driving

down any hills.

The outdoor pool
lightning

electric flash caused by two

always closes when

noun

clouds hitting

the lifeguards
suspect lightning.
It's quite mild out

mild

temperature that is warmer than

so I didn't bother

adjective

average(in a cold season)

with a hat or
mittens.
The meteorologist

meteorologist

a person who studies weather

predicted that the

noun

patterns

cold spell would be

over by now.
It was minus

minus/negative

indicates that a temperature is

twenty degrees at

adjective

below zero

the top of the skil

hill.
The sky is overcast

overcast
adjective

this morning, but

no sun is visible

the sun is supposed

to come out by late
afternoon.

term often used in a weather

Tomorrow's forecast

partly cloudy

forecast to indicate that the skies

is partly cloudy

adverb + adjective

are sunny and cloudy at the

with clear skies by

same time

nightfall.

rain or snow that falls on an area

There is very little

precipitation

precipitation in

noun

the desert.
Children love to

puddle
noun

splash in puddles
collection of rain water

when they are

wearing rubber
boots.

rain/raining/rainy
noun/continuous

My hair is all wet

water that falls to earth

verb/adjective

raindrop
noun

and messy from the

rain.
I love catching

a single measurement of rain

raindrops on my
tongue.
According to legend

rainbow

a band of colours found in the

you can find a pot

noun

sky after a rainfall

of gold at the end of

a rainbow.
They cancelled the

raining cats and dogs

idiom

football game
raining heavily

because it was
raining cats and
dogs.
It was a scorcher,

scorching/a scorcher

extremely hot temperature/a

so the whole family

adjective/noun

very hot day

slept in the cool

basement.

season

time of year characterized by

My favorite season

certain weather
noun

Winter,Spring,Summer,Fall (or
Autumn)

is Fall, because I
love to watch the
leaves changing
colours.
They've been

shower
noun

quick/light rainstorm

calling for showers

all week, but so far
it's been dry.

sleet(similar to hail)
noun

All-weather-tires are
rain that freezes as it falls

best if you have to

drive in sleet.

slush/slushy

snow on the ground that has

noun/adjective

been rained on

The snow turned to

slush as soon as it
started to rain.
You really notice the

smog

heavy,dark cloud cover caused

smog downtown in

noun

by pollution

this type of
humidity.
It is already

snow/snowy/snowing
noun/adjective/
continuous verb

frozen water that warms slightly

as it falls to earth

snowing up in the
mountains, so the
ski season should
be great this year.
All of the schools

snowstorm
noun

large amounts of wind and snow

were closed
because of the
snowstorm.

10

sun/sunshine/sunny

We hope to have
the gassy star that warms the

sunshine on the

earth

day of the beach

noun/noun/adjective

picnic.

sunburn

painful red/pink skin caused by

noun

being in the sun too long

sunglasses/shades

dark eyewear that protects you

noun

from the sun

suntan/tanned

The bald man got a

sunburn on his
head.
I forgot my shades
and I was driving
right into the sun.
I got a suntan on

noun(also

brown/golden skin caused by

the cruise, but it

verb)/adjective(also

long periods of sun exposure

has already faded

verb)

away.
Don't forget to

sunscreen/suntan
lotion
noun

cream that protects your skin

from sun damage

reapply your
sunscreen when
you get out of the
lake.
Can you check the

temperature
noun

temperature
how warm or cold the air is

before we get
dressed for our
walk?

thermometer

instrument for measuring the

When I checked the

noun

temperature of the air

temperature this
morning, the
thermometer said

11

it was already thirty

degrees Celsius.
thunder/thunderstor

Let's close all of the

the crashing of clouds (often

windows. It looks

noun

followed by a strike of lightning

like a

and heavy rain)

thunderstorm is
coming.

tornado
noun

The tornado picked

violently spinning windstorm

up everything in its
path, including
animals and cars.

umbrella
noun

held over one's head and body

for rain protection

I always keep an
umbrella in my car
in case of rain.
Ultra violet rays

UV (ultra violet) rays

noun

the damaging rays from the sun

can cause skin

cancer if you don't
wear sunscreen.

wind/windy
noun/adjective

wind chill factor

noun

blowing air outside

when the wind makes the air feel

colder than the actual
temperature

It's too windy to

play golf today.
It's minus two, but
with the wind chill
factor it's minus
fifteen.

12

Small Talk
What can we say in casual conversations with strangers or colleagues we meet in the lift? Small
talk is a casual form of conversation that "breaks the ice" or fills an awkward silence between
people.

Small Talk
In most English-speaking countries, it is normal and necessary to make "small talk" in certain
situations. Small talk is a casual form of conversation that "breaks the ice" or fills an awkward
silence between people. Even though you may feel shy using your second language, it is
sometimes considered rude to say nothing. Just as there are certain times when small talk is
appropriate, there are also certain topics that people often discuss during these moments.
Read through the Who, What, Where, When, Why? page to gain a better understanding of small
talk. The hardest part about making small talk is knowing how to start a conversation. Review
the conversation starters and practise them with a friend. Finally, take the time to see how much
you have learned about small talk by taking the Small Talk Quiz. And remember, in an Englishspeaking environment it is often better to make a few mistakes than to say nothing at all!

Small Talk: Who, What, Where, When, Why?

WHO makes small talk?
People with many different relationships use small talk. The most common type of people to use
small talk are those who do not know each other at all. Though we often teach children not to
talk to strangers, adults are expected to say at least a few words in certain situations (see where).
It is also common for people who are only acquaintances, often called a "friend of a friend", to
use small talk. Other people who have short casual conversations are office employees who may
not be good friends but work in the same department. Customer service representatives,
waitresses, hairdressers and receptionists often make small talk with customers. If you happen to
be outside when the mailman comes to your door you might make small talk with him too.
WHAT do people make small talk about?
There are certain "safe" topics that people usually make small talk about. The weather is
probably the number one thing that people who do not know each other well discuss. Sometimes
even friends and family members discuss the weather when they meet or start a conversation.
Another topic that is generally safe is current events. As long as you are not discussing a
controversial issue, such as a recent law concerning equal rights, it is usually safe to discuss the
news. Sports news is a very common topic, especially if a local team or player is in a tournament
13

or play-off or doing extremely well or badly. Entertainment news, such as a celebrity who is in
town, is another good topic. If there is something that you and the other speaker has in common,
that may also be acceptable to talk about. For example, if the bus is extremely full and there are
no seats available you might talk about reasons why. Similarly, people in an office might casually
discuss the new paint or furniture. There are also some subjects that are not considered
acceptable when making small talk. Discussing personal information such as salaries or a recent
divorce is not done between people who do not know each other well. Compliments on clothing
or hair are acceptable; however, you should never say something (good or bad) about a person's
body. Negative comments about another person not involved in the conversation are also not
acceptable: when you do not know a person well you cannot be sure who their friends are. You
do not talk about private issues either, because you do not know if you can trust the other person
with your secrets or personal information. Also, it is not safe to discuss subjects that society
deems controversial such as religion or politics. Lastly, it is not wise to continue talking about an
issue that the other person does not seem comfortable with or interested in.
WHERE do people make small talk?
People make small talk just about anywhere, but there are certain places where it is very
common. Most often, small talk occurs in places where people are waiting for something. For
example, you might chat with another person who is waiting for the bus to arrive, or to the
person beside you waiting to get on an aeroplane. People also make small talk in a doctor's or
dentist's waiting room, or in queues at the grocery store. At the office, people make small talk in
elevators or lunchrooms and even in restrooms, especially if there is a line-up. Some social
events (such as a party) require small talk among guests who do not know each other very well.
For example, you might talk to someone you do not know at the punch bowl, or at the poolside.
It is called "mingling" when people walk around in a social setting and talk to a variety of
people.
WHEN do people make small talk?
The most common time for small talk to occur is the first time you see or meet someone on a
given day. For example, if you see a co-worker in the lounge you might say hello and discuss the
sports or weather. However, the next time you see each other you might just smile and say
nothing. If there is very little noise, that might be an indication that it is the right time to initiate a
casual conversation. You should only spark up a conversation after someone smiles and
acknowledges you. Do not interrupt two people in order to discuss something unimportant such
as the weather. If someone is reading a book or writing a letter at the bus stop it is not
appropriate to initiate a conversation either. Another good time to make small talk is during a
break in a meeting or presentation when there is nothing important going on. Finally, it is
important to recognize the cue when the other person wants the conversation to stop.
WHY do people make small talk?
There are a few different reasons why people use small talk. The first, and most obvious, is to
14

break an uncomfortable silence. Another reason, however, is simply to fill time. That is why it is
so common to make small talk when you are waiting for something. Some people make small
talk in order to be polite. You may not feel like chatting with anyone at a party, but it is rude to
just sit in a corner by yourself. After someone introduces you to another person, you do not know
anything about them, so in order to show a polite interest in getting to know them better, you
have to start with some small talk.

15

Small Talk: Conversation Starters

Talking about the

weather

Talking about
current events

Beautiful day, isn't it?

Can you believe all of this rain we've been having?

It looks like it's going to snow.

It sure would be nice to be in Hawaii right about now.

I hear they're calling for thunderstorms all weekend.

We couldn't ask for a nicer day, could we?

How about this weather?

Did you order this sunshine?

Did you catch the news today?

Did you hear about that fire on Fourth St?

What do you think about this transit strike?

I read in the paper today that the Sears Mall is closing.

I heard on the radio today that they are finally going to

start building the new bridge.

How about those Reds? Do you think they're going to

win tonight?

Looking forward to the weekend?

Have you worked here long?

I can't believe how busy/quiet we are today, can you?

Has it been a long week?

At the office

16

At a social event

Out for a walk

Waiting
somewhere

You look like you could use a cup of coffee.

What do you think of the new computers?

So, how do you know Justin?

Have you tried the cabbage rolls that Sandy made?

Are you enjoying yourself?

It looks like you could use another drink.

Pretty nice place, huh?

I love your dress. Can I ask where you got it?

How old's your baby?

What's your puppy's name?

The tulips are sure beautiful at this time of year, aren't

they.

How do you like the new park?

Nice day to be outside, isn't it?

I didn't think it would be so busy today.

You look like you've got your hands full (with children
or goods).

The bus must be running late today.

It looks like we are going to be here a while, huh?

I'll have to remember not to come here on Mondays.

How long have you been waiting?

17

Small Talk Practice 1: At a Bus Stop

Read the small talk below and find the 10 mistakes. Then check your answers.
Woman: We could ask for a better day, could we?
Man: I know. There isn't a cloud in the sky. I love this time of year.
Woman: Me too. The cherry blossoms are beautiful, you think?
Man: They sure are. But I heard he is calling for rain all weekend.
Woman: Really? Oh well. I have to work all weekend anyway. I'm a doctor.
Man: Wow. I'm sure you make good money with that diamond watch you have on.
Woman: Ah, this bus seems to be running late. How long of a wait is it already?
Man: I've been here for at least fifteen minutes now.
Woman: Where are you heading today?
Man: Actually, I'm going to the City Hall to cast my vote for mayor.
Woman: Oh, what a coincidence. So am I! Who are you voting for?
Man: Um, well...I'm still thinking about it.
Woman: Here comes a bus now.
Man: Oh good. Wait, that's not the bus we want. That bus goes downtown.
Woman: Well, it looks like we'll be waiting a little longer. I guess, I'll use this time to catch up
on my reading.
Man: I love reading. Right now I'm reading a Stephen King book. Do you like Stephen King?
Woman: Not really.

18

Man: Oh, here's our bus.

Woman: Oh great. I thought it would never come. Well, have a nice day.
Man: Say, did you catch the news today?

Now check your answers. Did you find all 10 mistakes?

1.
Woman: We could ask for a better day, could we?
Correction: We couldn't ask for a better day, could we?
2.
Woman: Me too. The cherry blossoms are beautiful, you think?
Correction: Me too. The cherry blossoms are beautiful, aren't they?
3.
Man: They sure are. But I heard he is calling for rain all weekend.
Correction: They sure are. But I heard they are calling for rain all weekend.
4.
Woman: Really? Oh well. I have to work all weekend anyway. I'm a doctor.
Correction: During small talk with a stranger, it is not common to discuss personal information
relating to work.
5.
Man: Wow. I'm sure you make good money with that diamond watch you have on.
Correction: It is not acceptable to discuss salaries while making small talk.
6.
Woman: Ah, this bus seems to be running late. How long of a wait is it already?
Correction: Ah, this bus seems to be running late. How long have you been waiting?
7.
Woman: Where are you heading today?
Correction: Too personal.
8.
Woman: Oh, what a coincidence. So am I! Who are you voting for?
Correction: Politics is not a "safe" subject to discuss.
19

9.
Man: I love reading. Right now I'm reading a Stephen King book. Do you like Stephen King?
Correction: The woman suggested that she wanted to end the conversation. The man did not
take the hint.
10.
Man: Say, did you catch the news today?
Correction: Thanks. You too. This is not an appropriate time to start a new conversation. The
bus's arrival indicates that it is time to stop talking.

Small Talk Practice 2: At the Office

Read the small talk below and find the 10 mistakes. Then check your answers.
Woman: Hi there.
Man: Hi. I haven't seen you around here before. Have you been working long?
Woman: No, I've only been here a few months. I work in the Human Resources Department.
Man: Oh, you must make more money than I do then. I'm in Sales.
Woman: Sales sounds like an interesting job.
Man: It's okay. Hey, you look like you could really have a coffee.
Woman: Yes, it's been a really hectic week.
Man: Tell me about it! At least it's supposing to be a nice weekend.
Woman: Yes, I've listened that they are calling for blue skies.
Man: Say, did you happen to catch the game last night?
Woman: No, I was working late.
Man: It was a great game. We won in overtime.
20

Woman: Actually, I don't even know who was playing. I don't really follow sports.
Man: The Chiefs! Do you think they're going to make it to the finals this year?
Woman: I'm not sure. Well, I better get back to my desk.
Man: Speaking of desks, what do you think of the new office furniture?
Woman: It's nice, but I would rather get paid for my overtime hours than have new furniture.
Man: Oh. Well, I think I'll be heading home early today. It might be snow.
Woman: I know. I can't believe all of this cold weather. Hopefully Spring will come soon.
Man: I can't wait until Spring.
Woman: Me neither! My divorce will finally come through by then!

Now check your answers. Did you find all 10 mistakes?

1.
Man: Hi. I haven't seen you around here before. Have you been working long?
Correction: I haven't seen you around here before. Have you worked here long?
2.
Man: Oh, you must make more money than I do then. I'm in Sales.
Correction: Oh, that must be why I haven't seen you around. I'm in Sales.
It is inappropriate to discuss how much people make in an office during small talk.
3.
Man: It's okay. Hey, you look like you could really have a coffee.
Correction: It's okay. Hey, you look like you could really use a coffee.
4.
Man: Tell me about it! At least it's supposing to be a nice weekend.
Correction: Tell me about it! At least it's supposed to be a nice weekend.
5.
Woman: Yes, I've listened that they are calling for blue skies.
21

Correction: Yes, I've heard that they are calling for blue skies.
6.
Man: The Chiefs! Do you think they're going to make it to the finals this year?
Correction: The man should not continue with this subject because the woman is obviously not
interested in it.
7.
Man: Speaking of desks, what do you think of the new office furniture?
Correction: The man did not take the cue that the woman wants to end the conversation.
8.
Woman: It's nice, but I would rather get paid for my overtime hours than have new furniture.
Correction: Giving your opinion about a controversial subject is not appropriate when making
small talk with someone you don't know or trust.
9.
Man: Oh. Well, I think I'll be heading home early today. It might be snow.
Correction: Oh. Well, I think I'll be heading home early today. It looks like it might snow.
10.
Man: Me neither! My divorce will finally come through by then!
Correction: Private information about one's personal life is not acceptable.

Small Talk Practice 3: At a Party

Read the small talk below and find the 10 mistakes. Then check your answers.
Woman 1: (Standing in a corner drinking a glass of wine by herself)
Man: Hi there. Why aren't you dancing?
Woman 1: (Smiles. No response.)
Man: Hello. Have you tried Felicia's punch yet?
Woman 2: No, but I was just about to.
Man: Don't. It's terrible.
22

Woman 2: Oh. Okay.

Man: So, how are you knowing Rick?
Woman 2: Oh, Rick and I go way back. We studied nursing together.
Man: Nursing. Hmm. I heard on the radio today that all of you nurses are on strike. Are they not
paying you enough?
Woman 2: Actually it's about working conditions.
Man: I see. So, have you had a chance to take a dip in the pool yet?
Woman 2: No, not yet. How about you?
Man: No, I need to lose some weight before I put on a bathing suit. But you have a great figure.
Woman 2: Uh, thanks. Well, I better go and jingle. There are a few people I haven't said hello to
yet.
Man: Wait! Did you hear that the Pope is coming to town?
Woman 2: Ya. I heard that on the news today. I bet it'll be really tough to get to see him.
Man: I know. But I'm not Catholic anyway. Are you?
Woman 2: Yes, I am actually. Well, it looks the sun is finally coming out. I think I'll go take that
swim.
Man: You better hurry. I hear they are asking for thunderstorms this afternoon.

Now check your answers. Did you find all 10 mistakes?

1.
Woman 1: (Smiles. No response.)
Correction: It is rude not to say anything or answer someone, even if you are shy or don't know
the person.
2.
23

Man: Don't. It's terrible.

Correction: Keep negative comments out of your small talk. You don't know if the person you
are talking about is a close friend of the person you are talking to.
3.
Man: So, how are you knowing Rick?
Correction: So, how do you know Rick?
4.
Man: Nursing. Hmm. I heard on the radio today that all of you nurses are on strike. Are they not
paying you enough?
Correction: During small talk it is not appropriate to discuss salaries.
5.
Man: No, I need to lose some weight before I put on a bathing suit. But you have a great figure.
Correction: Even though this is a compliment, it may make someone feel uncomfortable.
Complimenting clothing is acceptable for small talk, but bodies are not a "safe" topic.
6.
Woman 2: Uh, thanks. Well, I better go and jingle. There are a few people I haven't said hello to
yet.
Correction: Uh, thanks. Well, I better go and mingle. There are a few people I haven't said hello
to yet.
7.
Man: Wait! Did you hear that the Pope is coming to town?
Correction: The man did not take the cue that the woman wants to end the conversation. "Wait"
is a very direct word that should never be used in small talk. You could say, "Oh, before you
go..." or "I don't want to keep you, but..." if you have something very important to add or ask.
8.
Man: I know. But I'm not Catholic anyway. Are you?
Correction: Religion is not a "safe" subject to discuss during small talk.
9.
Woman 2: Yes, I am actually. Well, it looks the sun is finally coming out. I think I'll go take that
swim.
Correction:Yes, I am actually. Well, it looks like the sun is finally coming out. I think I'll go
take that swim.
10.
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Man: You'd better hurry. I hear they are asking for thunderstorms this afternoon.
Correction: You'd better hurry. I hear they are calling for thunderstorms this afternoon.

Agreeing and Disagreeing

Sooner or later you will get the urge to agree or disagree with something that is being said in
English. Offering an opinion can be difficult when it is not in your first language...

Agreeing and Disagreeing in English

Sooner or later you will get the urge to agree or disagree with something that is being said in
English. Offering an opinion can be difficult when it is not in your first language. You may know
exactly what you want to say in your native tongue, but are unsure of how to express your views
in English. You may also worry that your words will not come out properly or that you might
hurt someone's feelings by being too forward. Although it is easier to sit back and say nothing at
all, you will become bored or frustrated if all you can do is nod your head yes or shake your head
no, especially if you have a strong opinion about something.
The best thing to do is to learn and practise some common expressions that are used in
discussions and debates. For example, there is a difference between agreeing strongly or only
slightly. Study the common expressions and practise saying them before you move on to the
practice exercises. After you have completed the exercises successfully, find a friend or a group
that you can practise debating with. Use the suggested topics, or make up topics of your own.

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Expressions for Agreeing and Disagreeing

Stating an opinion

Asking for an opinion

In my opinion...

The way I see it...

If you want my honest opinion....

According to Lisa...

As far as I'm concerned...

If you ask me...

What's your idea?

What are your thoughts on all of this?

How do you feel about that?

Do you have anything to say about this?

What do you think?

Do you agree?

Wouldn't you say?

I agree with you 100 percent.

I couldn't agree with you more.

That's so true.

That's for sure.

(slang) Tell me about it!

You're absolutely right.

Expressing agreement

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Expressing
disagreement

Absolutely.

That's exactly how I feel.

Exactly.

I'm afraid I agree with James.

I have to side with Dad on this one.

No doubt about it.

(agree with negative statement) Me neither.

(weak) I suppose so./I guess so.

You have a point there.

I was just going to say that.

I don't think so.

(strong) No way.

I'm afraid I disagree.

(strong) I totally disagree.

I beg to differ.

(strong) I'd say the exact opposite.

Not necessarily.

That's not always true.

That's not always the case.

No, I'm not so sure about that.

Can I add something here?

Interruptions

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Settling an argument

Is it okay if I jump in for a second?

If I might add something...

Can I throw my two cents in?

Sorry to interrupt, but...

(after accidentally interrupting someone) Sorry, go

ahead. OR Sorry, you were saying...

(after being interrupted) You didn't let me finish.

Let's just move on, shall we?

Let's drop it.

I think we're going to have to agree to disagree.

(sarcastic) Whatever you say./If you say so.

Topics for Debate

Here are 20 topics to discuss with a friend or group. Practice agreeing and disagreeing even if
you have to argue against something you actually believe in. One way to have fun with this is to
make up a bunch of cards that say agree or disagree. Each person has to pick up a card and then
the topic is read out. It is more fun to have a debate this way because you don't have to play your
true self. Try to continue each discussion for at least five minutes. Use the expressions that you
learned, including agreeing, disagreeing, asking for opinions, interrupting, etc.

Breakfast is the most important meal of the day.

Swimming in the ocean is better than swimming in a public pool.

Alcohol should be illegal.

Children should provide room and board for their aging parents.

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Studying grammar is more important than practicing conversation skills.

Television is the leading cause of violence in today's society.

Dogs make better companions than cats.

Smoking should be permitted in public places.

Females are better students than males.

A parent shouldn't pierce a baby's ears.

Women should be allowed to go topless in public.

Lawyers should make a higher salary than nurses.

Everyone should plan their own funeral.

Reading English is more difficult than writing English.

Summer is the best season of the year.

Children under 13 should not be allowed to babysit.

High school students should wear uniforms.

21 should be the legal driving age around the world.

Rock and Roll is the best kind of music.

The government should pay for post-secondary education.

The 12 World Class Speaking Competencies

1. Storytelling Being able to tell a story and make a point is at the heart
of public speaking. World Class Speakers become World Class storytellers by
mastering the elements of storytelling and including them in every speech.

2. Selling Every presentation is selling something whether it is an idea,

product, service, or simply selling your audience on the benefit of listening to
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your message. World Class Speakers embrace this and integrate selling tools
into every message.
3. Process-Driven Instead of building themselves up, World Class
Speakers build up the processes (or formulas or systems) that will improve
the condition of their audience members.
4. Next Steps World Class Speakers have a definite next step they want
their audiences to take immediately following their presentation. They build
their entire speech around getting their audiences to take that specific next
step.
5. Anchor-Driven World Class Speakers realize that whats loose is lost
and the best way to tighten their presentations is by using various anchors
(i.e. stories, analogies, acronyms, activities, videos, etc.) to make their points
memorable.
6. Begin with a Bang World Class Speakers understand the importance of
the first 30 seconds of any presentation and they constantly open with a
bang.
7. Succinct World Class Speakers realize that squeezing their information
in squeezes their audience out. As a result, they never try to fit in too much
information into one speech.
8. You-focused World Class Speakers know that it is never about what
they give but always about what the audience gets. Therefore, instead of
saying, I would like to share with you they say, Youre about to
receive The focus is always on you (the audience).
9. Dynamic World Class Speakers use dynamic delivery skills that keep
audiences engaged, energized, and wanting more.

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10. Involvement World Class Speakers constantly get and keep their
audiences involved from the beginning to the end of their presentations.
They realize that people buy into what they help create and making their
audience part of the process helps to sell their message.
11. Staging World Class Speakers not only use the physical stage to clarify
their message but they also use Virtual Staging to create the healthiest
learning environments online and offline.
12. Research/Assessment-Driven World Class Speakers meet their
audiences where they (the audience members) are by doing pre-speech
research and by assessing the energy of the audience throughout the
speech. This is how they get and stay connected.
Final Note:
When you work on these competencies, these competencies will work on
you.
If you are interested in not only mastering these competencies but also
helping others master them as a Certified World Class Speaking Coach, visit
http://www.certifiedspeakingcoach.com/ and simply show your interest. We
run the program once per year and the next class begins on June 13th 2011.
Its limited to 20 attendees.
If youre interested in finding a coach that can help you master these
competencies, here is a great place to start.

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