Getting to Know You (for students at the B1/B2 level)

Asking personal questions

Ignoring them until they speak first

Offering a friendly greeting and introducing yourself

Religion and politics

The weather

Deep philosophical questions

By checking your phone frequently

By maintaining eye contact and asking follow-up questions

By interrupting them when they speak

Hearing what someone says without paying attention

Nodding your head while daydreaming

Paying attention to what someone says and responding appropriately

Saying "I'm busy, I have to go now" abruptly

Excusing yourself and saying "It was nice talking to you"

Walking away without saying anything

"What do you like to do for fun?"

"How was your weekend?"

"Do you prefer cats or dogs?"

By making jokes about the other person's problems

By listening attentively and acknowledging their feelings

By changing the subject whenever they mention something sad

Finding common interests to talk about

Making fun of their appearance

Sharing something personal about yourself

Immediately forget it and hope they don't notice

Repeat their name back to them and use it in conversation

Avoid using their name altogether

By avoiding eye contact and mumbling

By standing tall, making eye contact, and speaking clearly

By speaking quietly and not expressing your opinions

To limit the other person's responses

To encourage the other person to share more information

To end the conversation quickly

Never speak to them again

Send them a text or email thanking them for the conversation

Ignore them if you see them again in person