If you are a new listener to this podcast, welcome! I’m Craig. This is Reza, and we are going to help you grow your grammar, vocalize your vocabulary and perfect your pronunciation.

With over 40 years of teaching between us, we’ll help you improve your English and take it to the next level.

In this episode: Starting a conversation and making small talk

Listener Feedback:

Congratulations for the award and for the good work that you do.
My name is Javier, I’m 50 and now I’m unemployed. I used to work as a sports reporter but overnight Canal 9 closed and now I’m looking for living (looking for a career change/looking for a way to earn a living).
All my life, I studied French but this year I started my English course (beginner level).
This summer I went to Belfast to improve my English. In my opinion, the experience was very memorable. The first day I didn’t understand anything because in Valencia I learned “standard English”. The second day was completely different. My mind started to think in English. After that, I started to understand the main meaning of the sentences. I had a lot of foreign classmates and I understood all of them.
I think, nowadays, it’s essential to have a total immersion in another country to improve. From my point of view, one month in Belfast was more productive than 9 months of classes in Valencia.
It’s normally very expensive to go abroad, but thanks to podcasts and free videos on the Internet I can refresh my English everyday.
The only recipe that I know is To practise, to practise and to practise.
Thanks for your attention. Kind regards,
Javier

PS Last October 10th, I had my B1 exam in Valencia. Now I’m waiting for my marks.

Feedback from Alfredo from Italy 

Starting a conversation and making small talk

Think of ways to start speaking to someone in English for the first time and keep the conversation going.

Introductions:

Hi / Hello, I’m……

Is this your first time here?

Have you been here before?

What do you think of the conference? / What do you think of the party / speakers / event / music etc?

The Weather

It’s a bit cold today, isn’t it?

I’m sweating, it’s boiling!

Oh, what a terrible wind!

Oh, I hope it doesn’t rain.

It’s freezing / boiling today!

Nice day, isn’t it? / Lovely weather, isn’t it? (with falling intonation)

Study more tag questions in episode 20

Study indirect questions in episode 50

More Small talk questions

Have you been here before?

Do I know you from somewhere? Haven’t I seen you here before? You look familiar. (these questions could be interpreted as ‘chat-up lines’ – para ligar)

Can I help you? Do you need help?

What’s the score? Who’s winning?

Did you see the match last night?

Where are you from? Which part of the UK are you from?

How long have you been here?

Do you mind me asking why you’re here?

Are you waiting for someone? Can I buy you a drink?

Have you got a light?

Italki are offering a special deal to listeners of Aprender Ingles con Reza y Craig – 100 free italki credits (ITCs) when you sign up for their paid service. Buy 1 get 1 free!

Find a teacher and improve your speaking with italki

Reza and I want to thank italki for sponsoring Aprender Inglés con Reza y Craig

Ending a conversation

Please excuse me, I need to go to the toilet / I’ve just seen somebody I know.

It’s been lovely to meet you but I’m sorry I have to go.

It’s really nice talking to you. I hope to see you again.

I’m afraid I’ve arranged to meet someone, so I must go now.

I really enjoyed speaking with you.

Send us an email, or record your voice and send us a sound file, with a comment or question to [email protected] or [email protected].
On next week’s episode: Greeting cards. What is it with British people and greeting cards?

The music in this podcast is by Pitx. The track is called ‘See You Later’