LEVEL 8: Lesson 9 Opening a Conversation Scene That reminds me of my trip to Palau.
LEVEL 8: Lesson 9 Opening a Conversation Conversation SCENE: Kenji and Renzo are sitting on a Tokyo commuter train talking about past vacations. Renzo: Hey, Kenji, did I ever tell you about my business trip to Guam? Kenji: I don t believe you have. So how was it? You looked really relaxed afterwards. Renzo: I had a blast in Guam. It started at the hotel. There was a swimsuit photo shoot going on when we got there. There were beautiful women everywhere! Kenji: Sounds like a good time. Renzo: We booked a scuba diving trip after checking in. We swam into a shipwreck. It was like we were in a movie. It was amazing! And then a large shark swam by, and I thought I was going to be eaten. The guide who was with us suddenly grabbed the shark s tailfin and flipped it on its back and the shark passed out. I have never seen anything like it. Kenji: That reminds me of my trip to Palau. The underwater caverns were spectacular. I have never seen such crystal clear water. We saw sharks, but we had to leave when there were too many of them swimming around us.
LEVEL 8: Lesson 9 Opening a Conversation Conversation Renzo: Really? That must have been scary. Did your guide help you with the sharks? Kenji: Of course. With his help, we just quickly got back on the boat. After scuba diving all day, we watched the sunset at our hotel by the beach and then we had dinner at a seafood restaurant. Renzo: Must have been a beautiful sunset. Kenji: It certainly was. I forgot all about business in Palau! Speaking of business, how was business in Guam? Did the negotiations go well? Renzo: We got the account. So the trip was both relaxing and productive. Kenji: Congratulations!
LEVEL 8: Lesson 9 Opening a Conversation Practice PRACTICE 1: Study these 3 helpful approaches to opening a conversation. Then practice starting a story about a vacation, a conference, etc. EXAMPLES: Networking U: I see you have been to this conference before. How is it/what is it like? I: Well, some of the speakers are fantastic, but the food is usually bad Self Q&A U: Did I tell you about my trip to Bangkok?/Guess what I did last weekend. I had the best Thai massage. I: Did you? How was it? Statement/Comment U: I had a blast in Guam. Diving was wonderful. I: Sounds like a good time.
LEVEL 8: Lesson 9 Opening a Conversation Practice PRACTICE 1: Talk with your instructor. Practice starting a story about a vacation, a conference, etc. DRILLS: U: I see you have been to How is it/what is it like? I: Well,. U: Did I tell you about?. I: Did you? How was it? U: Guess what I did last weekend. I. I:. U: I had a blast in!. I: Sounds like a good time. Remember! The networking approach is best used when you do not know people well and want to make better connections with them. Self Q&A and statement/comment approaches are more familiar.
LEVEL 8: Lesson 9 Opening a Conversation Practice PRACTICE 2: Practice giving a basic response after your instructor makes an opening. EXAMPLES: I: I hurt my foot when I was running onto the train. U: I m sorry to hear that. Are you OK now? I: I had a good time at Disney Land on Sunday. U: Did you? I always have fun there, too. I: I went skydiving in Guam. U: Sounds like you had a good time in Guam. RESPONSE TYPE: sympathize question confirm DRILLS: I: I had a blast at the beach last weekend. I: Guess what happened today. I came in late again. I: Did I tell you I had a good time with my dad yesterday? I: Did you know we can t work overtime anymore? I: Guess what I did at the party last night. I danced like a penguin.
LEVEL 8: Lesson 9 Opening a Conversation Practice PRACTICE 3: Often, giving a basic response is not enough. Connecting on a deeper level means better relationships, both business and otherwise. Practice responding to each story. EXAMPLES: I: I went to a really good hot spring last weekend. The water felt great! U: Speaking of hot springs, I m going to Hakone next weekend. find connections I: I had the worst time in Hawaii. U: Well, I had a different experience. I had a great time. I: I ate the best grilled chicken in Nagoya. U: That reminds me about the time I ate raw chicken. It wasn t as bad as I thought it would be. share memories compare & contrast DRILLS: I: I had a blast at the beach last weekend. The water sports were amazing! I: Guess what happened today. I came in late again. My boss was so angry at me. I: Did I tell you I had a good time with my dad yesterday? We had a picnic. I: Did you know we can t work overtime anymore? They can t afford to pay for it. I: Guess what I did at the party last night. I danced like a penguin.
LEVEL 8: Lesson 9 Opening a Conversation Summary TASK: Start by telling your instructor a story. Your instructor will respond. Then switch roles and respond to your instructor s stories and try to continue the story. Here are some topics to help you: vacations company meetings business trips school trips New Year s Day last weekend yesterday your last big event
LEVEL 8: Lesson 9 Opening a Conversation Finished That reminds me of my trip to Palau.