In this blog post you will learn how to:
Respond to the speaker by agreeing
Continue the conversation with an opinion
Move the conversation on with a personal question
End the conversation politely
In our previous blog post on small talk, we identified ways to start a conversation in 5 different topics.
In this lesson, you will learn how to respond to a conversation starter at work and how to continue the conversation.
Responding to a conversation starter at work in 4 steps:
1) Agree with speaker
One of the most important ‘rules’ of responding is to agree with the speaker at first even if you don’t actually agree.
Example:
Steve: I hope the staff meeting doesn’t go on too long today.
Laura: Yes, I hope so too. I’ve got an appointment at 6.
2) Give your opinion
After agreeing, you can now give your own opinion.
Example:
Laura: Tessa is a good chairperson, so I don’t think the meeting will take more than an hour.
3) Ask a question
Move the conversation by asking another question - such as about their weekend plans or work projects.
Example:
Laura: Are you planning to go to Ken’s leaving party on Friday?
4) End the conversation
End the conversation in a polite, friendly way.
Example:
Laura: Well, I’d better go and finish that report. See you later
Example Conversations
Conversation 1 - Chips and Chocolate
Read the following conversation between 2 colleagues, Jim and Ruth. Notice how Jim first agrees with Ruth, then gives his own opinion, then asks a question and finally ends the conversation.
Ruth: Oh, at last, it’s lunchtime. I’m so hungry. I didn’t have time for breakfast this morning.
Jim: Yes, I’m starving too. I got up too late this morning to have breakfast, as per usual.
Ruth: I’m just wondering whether to get a sandwich or a bowl of soup and some salad from the café next door.
Jim: Sandwiches and soup don’t fill me up. I’m going to get fish and chips. I know it’s not very healthy, but once in a while, it’s ok.
Ruth: Fish and chips does sound tempting, but I haven’t got time to go to the fish and chip shop and anyway, I’m going out to eat tonight, so I don’t want too much for lunch.
Jim: Well, I might give you a chip or two, if I haven’t eaten them all by the time I get back to the office. As you’re being so healthy, do you want me to get you some fruit from the market? I can pass there on the way back.
Ruth: No thanks, I don’t want any fruit but I wouldn’t mind a bar of chocolate!
Jim: Ok. Good to know I’m not the only unhealthy one in the office! See you soon.
Questions:
What does Jim say to show he agrees with Ruth?
How does Jim give his opinion?
What question does Jim ask Ruth?
How does Jim end the conversation?
Practice with a Friend, Tutor, or Language Partner:
In pairs, practice a lunch conversation like the one between Jim and Ruth. Follow the 4 steps.
Conversation 2 - What a morning!
Now read the following conversation between 2 colleagues, Clare and Suzanne. Notice how Suzanne firstly agrees with Clare, then gives her own opinion, then asks a question and finally ends the conversation.
Clare: What a morning! Just about everything that could go wrong did go wrong.
Suzanne: Oh no, sorry to hear that. My morning wasn’t too good either. What happened?
Clare: My first client was 30 minutes late for her appointment, the next one was really rude, and the third one didn’t show up.
Suzanne: Oh, that’s really annoying. I had some problems with the spreadsheet, but at least I finished my report.
Clare: Well done. I’m sure you’re glad it’s done.
Suzanne: Yes, I am. Is there a code for the photocopier? I need to photocopy my report.
Clare: Oh yes, it’s 87654
Suzanne: Great. I hope your afternoon’s better than this morning.
Clare: Hope so too. Good luck with the spreadsheet
Suzanne: Thanks. I’d better go and photocopy that report. See you later.
Questions:
What does Suzanne say to show she agrees with Clare?
How does Suzanne give her opinion?
What questions does Suzanne ask Clare?
How does Suzanne end the conversation?
Practice with a Friend, Tutor, or Language Partner:
In pairs, practice a conversation like the one between Clare and Suzanne and talk about how your work is going. Follow the 4 steps.
More Conversation Starters for the Workplace
I thought this morning’s meeting was really useful.
It’s quite warm in here. Do you mind if I open a window?
I’m just going to make a cup of tea. Would you like one?
I like your jumper; that colour really suits you.
How’s your day going so far?
Did your presentation go well?
Are there any good places for lunch around here?
I hope it stops raining before we go home.
That’s a nice laptop case. Where did you get it?
The internet’s very slow this afternoon.
Have you seen Shirley today? I need to ask her a question.
One last tip...
Our self-study workbooks include some great topics for small-talk (or more in-depth talks) with friends or colleagues. Each workbook includes a real-world English article, audio file, or video you can use to build your vocabulary and confidence. Never worry about what to chat about again!
