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? 1
Transcript
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
What's the weather forecast? They're calling for blue skies 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 speechMeaning Example Sentence
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airconditioner/airconditioning
noun
an appliance that cools down the air in a
home or building
The airconditioner keeps
the office nice and
comfortable even when
it's very hot outside.
avalanche
noun
a dangerous slide of snow down a
mountain
The skiers were warned
about a possible
avalanche.
below freezing
preposition/adjective
temperature less than 0 degrees
Celsius/(32F)
It's supposed to go below
freezing before the
weekend.
blizzard
nouna storm with lots of snow and wind
The airplane couldn't
take-off because of the
blizzard.
boiling hot
adjective + noun
common expression for describing a very
hot day
It was boiling hot, so we
all jumped into the lake.
breeze
nounlight wind
Don't bother with a hat.
There is always a breeze
near the ocean.
Celsius
noun
measurement of temperature (0 degrees
is freezing/100 is boiling)
In the summer, the
average temperature
here is 20 degrees
Celsius.
chilly
adjective
cold It's a bit chilly today, so I
think you should wear a
4
coat.
clear
adjective
when the sky is blue because no clouds are
blocking the sun
On a clear night you can
see a lot of stars.
cloud/cloudy
noun/adjective
water in the sky that appears as a white or
grey mass
It may look cloudy in the
morning, but the sun
always comes out by
afternoon.
cold spell
adjective + nouna period of colder than average weather
They're calling for a cold
spell, so we put off our
camping trip.
cool
adjectivetemperature in between warm and cold
The days were boiling
hot, but the nights were
cool and comfortable for
sleeping.
degrees
nounmeasurement for temperature
I don't feel the heat until
it's about forty degrees
Celsius outside.
drizzling
continuous verbraining slightly
I think I'll take the dog for
a walk. It's only drizzling
now.
drought
nouna long period with no rainfall
Forest fires are a serious
danger during a drought.
Fahrenheit
noun
measurement of temperature (32 degrees
is freezing/212 is boiling)
It was 100 degrees
Fahrenheit when we got
5
to San Francisco.
flood
nounoverflow of rain water
The flood was so bad, our
basement was full of
water.
flurries
noun very light snowfall
There are a few flurries
but the snow isn't sticking
to the roads.
fog/foggy
noun/adjectivethick water vapor that blocks one's vision
We couldn't see the
bridge because there was
too much fog.
forecast
noun/verbthe expected weather for the future
According to the 5 day
forecast, it's going to rain
on our wedding day.
freezing cold
adjective + noun
common expression used to describe a
very cold day
It was a freezing cold day
for the Santa Claus
parade.
frost
nounice crystals on a frozen surface
Some flowers are so
strong they can withstand
frost.
frostbite
noun
a skin condition caused by over exposure
to the cold (typically reddish skin with
white spots)
I lost my hat while I was
skiing, and I ended up
with frostbite on my ears.
hail
noun
small pieces of ice that fall during a storm There was so much hail
that some of the trailer
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homes were destroyed.
heat stroke
noun
a flu-like condition one can acquire after
spending too long in the sun
Bring lots of water and
wear a hat to avoid heat
stroke in this weather.
heat-wave
noun
extremely hot weather that is much higher
than average--usually lasts a short time
During the heat-wave we
cooled our beds down
with ice packs.
humid/humidity
adjective/nounmoisture in the air
It feels a lot hotter than it
actually is because of the
humidity.
hurricane
noun
a tropical storm with very strong wind and
rain (from Atlantic Ocean); from Pacific
Ocean it is called a "typhoon"; from Indian
Ocean it is called a "cyclone"
Half of the buildings on
the island were flattened
by the hurricane.
icy
adjectiveslippery because of ice
The roads are icy so
please avoid driving down
any hills.
lightning
nounelectric flash caused by two clouds hitting
The outdoor pool always
closes when the
lifeguards suspect
lightning.
mild
adjective
temperature that is warmer than
average(in a cold season)
It's quite mild out so I
didn't bother with a hat
or mittens.
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meteorologist
nouna person who studies weather patterns
The meteorologist
predicted that the cold
spell would be over by
now.
minus/negative
adjectiveindicates that a temperature is below zero
It was minus twenty
degrees at the top of the
skil hill.
overcast
adjectiveno sun is visible
The sky is overcast this
morning, but the sun is
supposed to come out by
late afternoon.
partly cloudy
adverb + adjective
term often used in a weather forecast to
indicate that the skies are sunny and
cloudy at the same time
Tomorrow's forecast is
partly cloudy with clear
skies by nightfall.
precipitation
nounrain or snow that falls on an area
There is very little
precipitation in the
desert.
puddle
nouncollection of rain water
Children love to splash in
puddles when they are
wearing rubber boots.
rain/raining/rainy
noun/continuous verb/adjectivewater that falls to earth
My hair is all wet and
messy from the rain.
raindrop
nouna single measurement of rain
I love catching raindrops
on my tongue.
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rainbow
noun
a band of colours found in the sky after a
rainfall
According to legend you
can find a pot of gold at
the end of a rainbow.
raining cats and dogs
idiomraining heavily
They cancelled the
football game because it
was raining cats and
dogs.
scorching/a scorcher
adjective/nounextremely hot temperature/a very hot day
It was a scorcher, so the
whole family slept in the
cool basement.
season
noun
time of year characterized by certain
weather
Winter,Spring,Summer,Fall (or Autumn)
My favorite season is Fall,
because I love to watch
the leaves changing
colours.
shower
nounquick/light rainstorm
They've been calling for
showers all week, but so
far it's been dry.
sleet(similar to hail)
nounrain that freezes as it falls
All-weather-tires are best
if you have to drive in
sleet.
slush/slushy
noun/adjective
snow on the ground that has been rained
on
The snow turned to slush
as soon as it started to
rain.
smog
noun
heavy,dark cloud cover caused by
pollution
You really notice the
smog downtown in this
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type of humidity.
snow/snowy/snowing
noun/adjective/ continuous
verb
frozen water that warms slightly as it falls
to earth
It is already snowing up in
the mountains, so the ski
season should be great
this year.
snowstorm
nounlarge amounts of wind and snow
All of the schools were
closed because of the
snowstorm.
sun/sunshine/sunny
noun/noun/adjective the gassy star that warms the earth
We hope to have
sunshine on the day of
the beach picnic.
sunburn
noun
painful red/pink skin caused by being in
the sun too long
The bald man got a
sunburn on his head.
sunglasses/shades
noun
dark eyewear that protects you from the
sun
I forgot my shades and I
was driving right into the
sun.
suntan/tanned
noun(also verb)/adjective(also
verb)
brown/golden skin caused by long periods
of sun exposure
I got a suntan on the
cruise, but it has already
faded away.
sunscreen/suntan lotion
noun
cream that protects your skin from sun
damage
Don't forget to reapply
your sunscreen when you
get out of the lake.
temperature
noun
how warm or cold the air is Can you check the
temperature before we
10
get dressed for our walk?
thermometer
noun
instrument for measuring the temperature
of the air
When I checked the
temperature this
morning, the
thermometer said it was
already thirty degrees
Celsius.
thunder/
thunderstorm
noun
the crashing of clouds (often followed by a
strike of lightning and heavy rain)
Let's close all of the
windows. It looks like a
thunderstorm is coming.
tornado
nounviolently spinning windstorm
The tornado picked 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.
UV (ultra violet) rays
nounthe damaging rays from the sun
Ultra violet rays can
cause skin cancer if you
don't wear sunscreen.
wind/windy
noun/adjectiveblowing air outside
It's too windy to play golf
today.
wind chill factor
noun
when the wind makes the air feel colder
than the actual temperature
It's minus two, but with
the wind chill factor it's
minus fifteen.
11
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 English-speaking 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 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 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
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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.
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Small Talk: Conversation Starters
Talking about the weather
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?
Talking about current events
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?
At the office
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? You look like you could use a cup of coffee. What do you think of the new computers?
At a social event
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?
Out for a walk
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?
Waiting somewhere 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?
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I'll have to remember not to come here on Mondays. How long have you been waiting?
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.
Man: Oh, here's our bus.
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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.
9.
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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.
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.
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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.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?
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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.
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.
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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.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.
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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.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.
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...
Asking for an opinion
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?
Expressing agreement
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. 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.
Expressing disagreement
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.
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Interruptions
Can I add something here? 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.
Settling an argument
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.
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.
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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 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.
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5. Anchor-Driven – World Class Speakers realize that “what’s 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, “You’re 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.
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.
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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. It’s limited to 20 attendees.
If you’re interested in finding a coach that can help you master these competencies, here is a
