Hello, and welcome back.
Now, have you ever found
it difficult to start
a conversation in English
in a formal situation?
If so, let me help.
Today I’m going to demonstrate
to you guys some real life
bad examples that I’ve had
the pleasure of witnessing,
and contrast them with
how to do it successfully.
Have a look at this.
Here’s how not to ask someone
where they live.
Where’s your house?
Okay, so if you want to start
a conversation with somebody
about where they live,
don’t be so direct.
A better example would be,
so, have you come far, or…?
Just down the road.
Just down the road?
Yeah.
It’s worth noting
that if you ask a British
or a European person,
they’ll probably respond
to you in miles or kilometres,
whereas Americans usually
respond in minutes and hours.
Hi.
Here’s how not to start a
conversation about the weather.
Does the sun make you sweaty?
Okay, if you want
to start a conversation
about the weather,
don’t say this.
A much better example
would be… I tell you what,
it’s getting hot, isn’t it?
Yeah, it is.
Really hot.
I know.
30 degrees, isn’t it?
Yeah.
And in contrast,
if the weather is bad outside,
you could say… Oh,
it’s miserable out
there, isn’t it?
I had a really,
really good time.
It was amazing.
Here’s now not to ask someone
how they know the host.
Do you know someone?
So, if you want to start
a conversation with someone
about how they know the host,
this would be a bit weird.
Instead, a better example
would be… So, sorry,
how do you know John?
From work.
Oh, from work, is it?
Yeah.
Oh, right, nice, okay.
I know him … Just
remember that generally,
us Brits are a lot less direct
than most other nationalities,
so I would advise you
not to translate phrases
from your native
tongue into English.
Instead, just use these phrases
that I’ve shown you today.
Great to see you guys again.
As ever, don’t forget to like
and share me on all
the social media you can find,
as well as subscribe
to this channel.
Now, go forth
and make conversation.
Good luck!
