Starting conversations with strangers in different ways practice

Starting conversations with strangers in different ways practice

Choose a first line from below and roleplay a whole conversation starting from there with your partner, continuing until a smooth ending such as saying why you have to end the conversation. Then take turns choosing first lines from below to do the same with.

When your teacher stops you, ask about any lines which you couldn’t use, brainstorming together when they could be used and how the conversation could continue each time.

Test each other on the lines in both sections below:

• Read out one and see if your partner can say if it is a first line (1) or a later line (L).
• Read out a line and see if your partner can reply
• Read out a line, listen to your partner’s reply, respond, then together roleplay the rest of the conversation until the end
• Choose one later line and use it during a roleplay conversation (starting however you like)

 

First lines

• (Excuse me). Are you (name)?
• (Sorry to bother you but) do you know…?
• (Sorry to trouble you but) I’m looking for…
• (Sorry,) did I see you…?
• Are you (also) waiting for…?
• Are you lost?/ Are you (also) looking for…?
• Can I introduce myself?
• Can I join you?
• How’s the coffee?
• I don’t think we’ve been introduced.
• I don’t think we’ve met, have we?
• I have an appointment with (name). Is that you?
• I see (from your badge) that you work for…
• Is anyone sitting here?
• Is this seat free?
• Is this the right place for…?
• It’s really busy here, isn’t it? (Is it usually like this?)
• What did you think about the talk/ presentation/ workshop/ play/ video/ sketch/…?
• You must be (name).

Later than the first line

Nice to meet you.                                                                   My name is…

Is it your first time here?                                                          It was nice to meet you.

How about you?/ What about you?/ And you?               I’ll see you later.

Please excuse me. I need to…                                    What do you do?

I look forward to hearing from you.                               I’ll email you…

Here’s my business card.                                                        I’d love to talk more, but…

It’s been great to chat, but…                                        Have you met my colleague…?

Have a good evening.