Conversations in English at work aren’t always about work. In fact, a lot of team-bonding happens over casual chit-chat during coffee breaks. So how do you manage these types of free-flowing conversations in English?
Kick-start the conversation in English
To open conversations in English, ask open-ended, easy questions like this:
- How’s your day going so far?
- What’s been happening with you lately?
English tip: “So far” is like “until now”.
English tip: “Lately” means “recently”. It’s nothing to do with being late!
“Did you know that Lucy is leaving next month? ”
Ask opinions and recommendations
A great way to keep conversations in English flowing is to ask for opinions and recommendations. People LOVE sharing their thoughts and advice.
Use English phrases like this:
- What do/did you think about [a topic]? E.g. the final episode of Game of Thrones?
- Do you have any tips for [a need]? E.g. a weekend babysitting children?
Tip: Ask about topics that aren’t too personal, like work, your weekend, holidays, the news, public transport, TV shows you’re watching, sports, books, music etc.
Show interest and empathy
Show that you’re engaged in your conversations in English! React to stories and explanations with phrases like:
- Oh really?
- Wow.
- No way.
- Seriously.
Tip: Alternative between these phrases during your conversations in English – don’t say them all at once!
You can also communicate empathy with English phrases like these:
- That sounds ____ (insert the word you want). E.g. That sounds difficult.
- That’s ________ (insert the word you want). E.g. That’s great!
Share your news or experiences
During your conversations in English, you can sharing some news or experiences with these English phrases:
- Hey, have you heard about…? e.g. Hey, have you heard about the plan to create a new department?
- Did you know that…? e.g. Did you know that Lucy is leaving next month?
- Guess what happened to me the other day.
Tip: This last English phrase is long, but effectively signals that you’re about to tell a story.
Get back to work
Once the coffee is finished and the clock is ticking, how can you politely remind your colleague that it’s time to wrap up and get back to work?
A typical way in conversations in English is to act like external circumstances oblige you to leave. Like this:
- Alright, I guess we should get back.
Or:
- Well, I should probably get back to (doing a task). E.g. preparing for the meeting.
Paying the bill
A reminder that in English, if someone “invites” you for a coffee, it means that they simply want to do the activity together. It doesn’t mean that they are buying your coffee!
If you DO want to buy the coffee for your colleague, say this:
- I’ll get this.
Mission completed! You have successfully created strong work relationships, you have practised and learned English, and you are ready to relax during your work breaks.
Would you like more language and communication tools for the workplace? Check Talktips trainings options to feel good during formal and casual conversations in English.
Want to go further?
