ESL Lesson Idea: Making Conversation

Developing social skills such as small talk will go a long way to breaking the isolation of many immigrants. This lesson teaches ways to initiate a conversation, some appropriate common phrases used to agree or disagree, and how to politely finish a conversation.

• Student Handouts: Making Conversation and Conversation Tools

• Begin by demonstrating a simple conversation with a neighbor, as in the handout Making Conversation. Ask your colleague or a student to read the dialogue with you.
• Present and discuss some of the phrases in the handout Conversation Tools, giving attention to which are appropriate for casual situations, first acquaintance, etc.
• Point out that many of these phrases are used in combination, for example "Hello, it's nice to see you" or "It's been great chatting with you, see you later."
• Have students make up skits in pairs, including a casual conversation, and then present them to the rest of the class.
• Some typical topics for casual conversations are discussed in the related Workplace Lesson Small Talk.