It can be frustrating when trying to communicate something and finding that there is a language barrier. Whether what's being communicated is important or not, it's good to be understood. To clarify or make sure that you are understood one should ask questions or reiterate what you said by enunciating your words.
Communication breakdown doesn't only happen when one is on the telephone, but also when communicating face-to-face. Below is an example of how to handle your self in a situation where there is a communication breakdown or when you are trying to be understood.
Mary and Benjamin are at a restaurant and are placing their order for dinner.
Waiter: Monsieur et madame would you like to place your drink order now?
Mary: Yes, we are ready to place both our dinner and drink order. Thank you.
Benjamin: I would like the stuffed chicken.
Waiter: That is a great dish! It comes with a dinner roll and steamed vegetables. You have the option of potatoes or 'wild' rice with that. What would you like monsieur.
Benjamin: I thought all rice was 'boiled'?
Waiter: No, monsieur. That's not what I said. I said, WILD rice not BOILED rice.
Benjamin: Ha, ha, ha! I'm so sorry. I understand. I don't like wild rice, so I will have the mashed potatoes. Thank you for clarifying.
Waiter: No problem. A Medoc wine goes great with that monsieur.
Benjamin: I don't like swine, that's why I ordered chicken. Is that a Southern dish or something like that?
Waiter: No monsieur. You misunderstood. I said MERDOC WINE. Thank is a brand of FRENCH WINE. It goes really great with chicken dishes. Do you understand?
Benjamin: I do. Great! I will have a bottle of the Merdoc. Thank you.
Waiter: Madame?
Mary: He has a hearing problem. Ha, ha, ha! Just kidding.
Can I have the chicken penne?
Waiter: Ha, ha, ha! It's one of our most popular dishes! Garlic bread comes with that madame.
Mary: That sounds great. I will share the Merdoc with Ben. Thank you.
Waiter. The wine is coming right up; dinner will be about 8 to 10 minutes. Thank you both.
Practice the dialog above with a few friends or a friend. If there isn't enough people then one person can play two characters.
EXERCISE:
1. What were the misunderstandings in the dialog above?
Answer: _______________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________.
2. What did the waiter do to clarify what he said?
Answer: _______________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________.
3. Why do you think there was a breakdown in communication?
Answer: _______________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________.
4. Describe an experience you've had where there was a breakdown in communication. Explain what you did to clarify things?
Answer: _______________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________.
If you would like to share an experience (in question 4) with me or others, please post it in the comments below. This may be a great learning tool for others. Thank you.
Great job today!
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
Expressing Opinions
There are different ways to express or share one's opinion. Below are some common expressions used when expressing or asking for an opinion on a subject matter.
Expressing/Sharing Opinions:
"I think that...."
"In my opinion...."
"I am of the opinion that..."
"I believe/I strongly believe that..."
"From my point of view..."
"I feel (that)..."
"From my experience..."
"This is what I think..."
"From my perspective..."
"It is my thought that..."
Asking for an Opinion:
"What's your opinion (on/about that)?"
"What's your point of view?"
"Do you have an opinion (on/about that)?"
"What you you think/believe (about that)?"
"What's your perspective on that?"
"How do you feel about that?"
"What do you have to say about that?"
Below is a dialog of how to apply the phrases above in a natural English conversation. Please use it to role play and practice with a friend.
Billy and Lynn are having a discussion about the newly popular children's book "Fancy Nancy."
Billy: My daughter loves that book, but I am not sure that it's appropriate for girls her age.
Lynn: How old is your daughter again?
Billy: She is 4 years old. What's your perspective on that?
Lynn: Well, that's about right. The book is written for children her age! It's for school age girls, which is around 4 to 7 years of age. My daughter is 5 years old and she loves it too. I don't see anything wrong with the content.
Billy: I understand that; however, I think it's a little mature for her.
Lynn: I am of a different opinion. From my perspective it's harmless! Girl's your daughter's age and younger start dressing up in their mother's clothes from age two and possibly a bit younger!
Billy: Regardless of that fact, I still believe that her outfits are too mature and a little suggestive.
Lynn: Well, that's the idea! That's what happens when little girls dress up in adult clothing. Despite how you feel about the book, there are lots of positive things about the book. For one, the vocabulary is great and so it the storyline and it teaches young girls how to express themselves and their opinions in a healthy way.
Billy: That might be so, but that is not going to change my opinion of it.
Lynn: I can see that. However, you are entitled to your opinion.
Billy: Yes, I am.
Now your turn!
Share your opinion with a friend about the subject above or come up with you own.
You: __________ (friend's name), what's your opinion about (the children's book "Fancy Nancy")/ (come up with your own subject).
Your friend: _____________ (Choose from the expressions above).
You: _________________ (Respond using an opinion phrase above).
Your friend: __________________ (Use an opinion phrase or just share a fact about the subject matter).
Note: Try to keep the conversation going for as long as your can. Think of how you would respond in your language to the subject being discussed and use the expressions above to voice your point of view.
Great job today!
Expressing/Sharing Opinions:
"I think that...."
"In my opinion...."
"I am of the opinion that..."
"I believe/I strongly believe that..."
"From my point of view..."
"I feel (that)..."
"From my experience..."
"This is what I think..."
"From my perspective..."
"It is my thought that..."
Asking for an Opinion:
"What's your opinion (on/about that)?"
"What's your point of view?"
"Do you have an opinion (on/about that)?"
"What you you think/believe (about that)?"
"What's your perspective on that?"
"How do you feel about that?"
"What do you have to say about that?"
Below is a dialog of how to apply the phrases above in a natural English conversation. Please use it to role play and practice with a friend.
Billy and Lynn are having a discussion about the newly popular children's book "Fancy Nancy."
Billy: My daughter loves that book, but I am not sure that it's appropriate for girls her age.
Lynn: How old is your daughter again?
Billy: She is 4 years old. What's your perspective on that?
Lynn: Well, that's about right. The book is written for children her age! It's for school age girls, which is around 4 to 7 years of age. My daughter is 5 years old and she loves it too. I don't see anything wrong with the content.
Billy: I understand that; however, I think it's a little mature for her.
Lynn: I am of a different opinion. From my perspective it's harmless! Girl's your daughter's age and younger start dressing up in their mother's clothes from age two and possibly a bit younger!
Billy: Regardless of that fact, I still believe that her outfits are too mature and a little suggestive.
Lynn: Well, that's the idea! That's what happens when little girls dress up in adult clothing. Despite how you feel about the book, there are lots of positive things about the book. For one, the vocabulary is great and so it the storyline and it teaches young girls how to express themselves and their opinions in a healthy way.
Billy: That might be so, but that is not going to change my opinion of it.
Lynn: I can see that. However, you are entitled to your opinion.
Billy: Yes, I am.
Now your turn!
Share your opinion with a friend about the subject above or come up with you own.
You: __________ (friend's name), what's your opinion about (the children's book "Fancy Nancy")/ (come up with your own subject).
Your friend: _____________ (Choose from the expressions above).
You: _________________ (Respond using an opinion phrase above).
Your friend: __________________ (Use an opinion phrase or just share a fact about the subject matter).
Note: Try to keep the conversation going for as long as your can. Think of how you would respond in your language to the subject being discussed and use the expressions above to voice your point of view.
Great job today!
Monday, September 27, 2010
Agreeing and Disagreeing
There are different degrees of agreeing and disagreeing in English; you can do this by showing complete agreement or disagreement, partial agreement or disagreement or strongly agreeing or disagreeing. Below are some agreement and disagreement phrases that one can use to express one's opinion about something.
Strongly Agree:
"I strongly agree!"
"I totally agree!"
"I agree 110 percent!"
"I completely agree!"
"I couldn't agree more..."
Agreement:
"I agree..."
"You are right..."
"I am of the same belief..."
Partial Agreement:
"I understand your point of view, but I also think that..."
"I don't completely agree...."
"I don't really agree..."
"I understand where you are coming from, but...."
"I see your point, but I don't completely agree..."
"I see your point, but I disagree..."
"I kind of disagree with that...."
Disagreement:
"I don't agree..."
"I disagree..."
"I don't see your point..."
"I am of a different opinion..."
"I don't see/understand where you are coming from."
"I don't believe the same..."
"I don't share your opinion (on that matter)..."
Strongly Disagree:
"I strongly disagree..."
"I totally disagree..."
"I don't agree at all..."
"I'm afraid, but I don't agree at all..."
Please use the Dialog below to role play with a friend.
Jasmine and David are driving to a Rolling Stones concert.
Jasmine: I love the Rolling Stones! I have been waiting for this moment for a long time!
David: Really? But you have been to their concerts before...
Jasmine: Yes, but they are the best band of all time. I just love them! I love their music and everything about them as a group.
David: You are a true fan; however, I will have to disagree with that statement. I think the Beetles are the best rock group of all time.
Jasmine: I completely disagree with that!
David: Okay... Why?
Jasmine: Well, they were not around long enough and their success was based on a lot of hype. It's not that their music is good, but because of the media attention they got, especially after the band broke up.
David: I see your point, but it doesn't change the fact that as a group, they just weren't as good.
Jasmine: I couldn't agree with you less. How do you quantify that? I really don't understand where you are coming from.
David: I will explain. The fact that the band did not stay together does not take away from the quality of music made. They have had great songs that have stood the test of time, despite the fact that the group did not. However, each member went on to have a successful solo careers and their songs are still relavant today. Take John Lennon and Paul Macarthy for example. More so, Paul and Ringo still performs and releases albums to date!
Jasmine: I understand your point of view, but I still think that the Rolling Stones are still the best rock group of all time. I guess we are going to have to agree to disagree. Ha! Ha! Ha!
David: I guess so... Ha! Ha! Ha!
Now your turn!
Role play with a friend!
You: I think that _____________ (share an opinion about something).
Your friend: (Use an agreement/disagreement phrase above).
You: (Respond by using an agreement/disagreement phrase above and give a reason why).
Your friend: (Conclude by stating an opinion).
Great job today!
Strongly Agree:
"I strongly agree!"
"I totally agree!"
"I agree 110 percent!"
"I completely agree!"
"I couldn't agree more..."
Agreement:
"I agree..."
"You are right..."
"I am of the same belief..."
Partial Agreement:
"I understand your point of view, but I also think that..."
"I don't completely agree...."
"I don't really agree..."
"I understand where you are coming from, but...."
"I see your point, but I don't completely agree..."
"I see your point, but I disagree..."
"I kind of disagree with that...."
Disagreement:
"I don't agree..."
"I disagree..."
"I don't see your point..."
"I am of a different opinion..."
"I don't see/understand where you are coming from."
"I don't believe the same..."
"I don't share your opinion (on that matter)..."
Strongly Disagree:
"I strongly disagree..."
"I totally disagree..."
"I don't agree at all..."
"I'm afraid, but I don't agree at all..."
Please use the Dialog below to role play with a friend.
Jasmine and David are driving to a Rolling Stones concert.
Jasmine: I love the Rolling Stones! I have been waiting for this moment for a long time!
David: Really? But you have been to their concerts before...
Jasmine: Yes, but they are the best band of all time. I just love them! I love their music and everything about them as a group.
David: You are a true fan; however, I will have to disagree with that statement. I think the Beetles are the best rock group of all time.
Jasmine: I completely disagree with that!
David: Okay... Why?
Jasmine: Well, they were not around long enough and their success was based on a lot of hype. It's not that their music is good, but because of the media attention they got, especially after the band broke up.
David: I see your point, but it doesn't change the fact that as a group, they just weren't as good.
Jasmine: I couldn't agree with you less. How do you quantify that? I really don't understand where you are coming from.
David: I will explain. The fact that the band did not stay together does not take away from the quality of music made. They have had great songs that have stood the test of time, despite the fact that the group did not. However, each member went on to have a successful solo careers and their songs are still relavant today. Take John Lennon and Paul Macarthy for example. More so, Paul and Ringo still performs and releases albums to date!
Jasmine: I understand your point of view, but I still think that the Rolling Stones are still the best rock group of all time. I guess we are going to have to agree to disagree. Ha! Ha! Ha!
David: I guess so... Ha! Ha! Ha!
Now your turn!
Role play with a friend!
You: I think that _____________ (share an opinion about something).
Your friend: (Use an agreement/disagreement phrase above).
You: (Respond by using an agreement/disagreement phrase above and give a reason why).
Your friend: (Conclude by stating an opinion).
Great job today!
Saturday, September 25, 2010
Expressing Likes and Dislikes
Use the dialog below to practice/role play with a friend. Role play and take turns being each character.
Anna and John are on their way to the premier of the movie "The Avatar: The Last Airbender".
Anna: I really love science fiction, I rarely watch fantasy before. I am not quite into it.
John: I feel quite the opposite. I am really into fantasy. You' ll love it! It's more of an action movie with lots of adventure. I like science fiction, however, I think a lot is lost in the storyline and plot and more emphasis is placed on special effects.
Anna: That may have been true 30 years ago, it isn't true today. There are lots of great science fiction movies today.
John: "Star Wars" and "Star Trek" are great movies, however, that does not change the fact that quite a few science fictions lack substance!
Anna: I am not going to try to convince you otherwise. We are going to have to agree to disagree.
John: I guess you are right. I am glad that you agree to go to the movie theatre with me. Why don't you like going to the movie theatre.
Anna: Well, I find they can be quite dirty. Plus you never know who going to sit, in front, behind or beside you. I find that I have a lot of bad luck with that. There is always some one talking, kicking the chair or getting up to go to the restroom, which takes away from the joy of it all.
John: I see. That makes sense. I don't really care. I just love the experience. Well, I hope you have a different experience today, because I think it's quite a lot of fun.
Anna: Thank you. I love the popcorn if that makes you feel any better. Ha! Ha! Ha!
John: That's a positive. Well, here we are... we have arrived.
Anna: Great! Let's go in!
Now your turn!
Role play with a friend using the conjunctions "and, but, either, neither" to express likes and dislikes.
Your name: I like _________________, but I don't like___________.
Friend's name: I like _________ and I like_________.
Your name: I don't like either _________ or ___________.
Friend's name: Neither do I.
Great job today!
Friday, September 24, 2010
Expressing Desires
Joy is in the kitchen making breakfast for the family when her husband Cooper enters...
Joy: I have so much to do today and I am not sure that I can get it all done before the kids come home from school.
Cooper: Yes, that is a lot. Why don't you just cancel some of your appointments for another day?
Joy: Well, I can't because I have another busy day tomorrow. Could you pick up the kids from school today? If you could do that for me, then that will give me a chance to make my last appointment.
Cooper: Sure, I have nothing planned for that time. However, I'd like to hang out with the guys this evening. Will you be back before 7:00 PM?
Joy: Yes, I will be back before 7:00 PM. If anything changes I will give you a call. I wish I could hang out with the girls more often.
Cooper: I don't see how with your busy schedule. However, you would have to give up something if you decide that's something you would like to do. You know I had to. You deserve some fun in your life.
Joy: Yes, I do... I would like to have some balance in my life. I am going to revisit my schedule.
Cooper: I think you should!
The children enters the room...
Now your turn!
Complete the dialog below.
Use the forms: "Could you....?" or "Would you....?", "I wish...", "I want...", "I'd like to...", or "I hope to/for...".
Your Name: Hi __________ (name)!
Friend's name: Hi! What are your plans for the weekend?
Your name: I would like to/I hope to/I wish I could, but I am....
Friend's name: Sounds great!/Okay...
Your name: What about you? What are your plans for the weekend?
Friend's name: I'd like to/I hope to/I would like to...
Great job today!
Friday, September 17, 2010
Talking about the Future
Using the future tense is a great way to express your plans and desires for the future. Let's take a look at how to talk about your dreams for the future.
Lisa: You know what Mark? I am really excited about graduating from high school. I am really looking
forward to life after high school, because there is so much I want to do?
Mark: What are your plans for the future?
Lisa: Well, I am looking forward to university life. I have always dreamed of going to Princeton and now
it's a dream come true.
Mark: That is exciting.
Lisa: What do you plan to do after you graduate from high school?
Mark: University was never something I saw myself doing immediately after graduating from high school.
However, it's something I want to do in the near future. Let's say about 3 to 5 years. Right now I have plans to travel the world.
Lisa: Wow! That sounds great Mark! Which country will your visit first?
Mark: I will be leaving for Japan a week after graduation. I plan on backpacking around Asia and Europe.
Then do a cruise or group tour around Africa, Australia and South America. I have been saving up for this for a long time. This is a dream come true to finally be able to do this.
Lisa: I am jealous! Actually, I am really happy for you. It sounds like it's going to be quite adventurous and
a lot of fun. I have always wanted to travel, but it was something I wanted to do after I graduated from
university.
Mark: Have you chosen a major yet?
Lisa: Yes, I have. I plan on majoring in psychology. It has been a dream of mine for a long time. I
think it will be fulfilling and very rewarding, to be able to work in the field of psychiatry.
Mark: You do sound quite passionate about it. I wish you all the best. We will catch up later. I got to run. Bye.
Lisa: Bye for now.
Now Your Turn!
Use the expressions below to create a dialogue about your plans for the future.
Expressions/Vocabulary:
Complete the sentences below with the expresions above.
Question 1: What are your plans for the future?
Answer 1: I plan on/I want to ________________.
Question 2: Why do you want to tour around Asia and Europe?
Answer 2: I wanted to travel, because (Use an expression above).
Now, make up your own sentences about your plans for the future!
Great job for today!
Lisa: You know what Mark? I am really excited about graduating from high school. I am really looking
forward to life after high school, because there is so much I want to do?
Mark: What are your plans for the future?
Lisa: Well, I am looking forward to university life. I have always dreamed of going to Princeton and now
it's a dream come true.
Mark: That is exciting.
Lisa: What do you plan to do after you graduate from high school?
Mark: University was never something I saw myself doing immediately after graduating from high school.
However, it's something I want to do in the near future. Let's say about 3 to 5 years. Right now I have plans to travel the world.
Lisa: Wow! That sounds great Mark! Which country will your visit first?
Mark: I will be leaving for Japan a week after graduation. I plan on backpacking around Asia and Europe.
Then do a cruise or group tour around Africa, Australia and South America. I have been saving up for this for a long time. This is a dream come true to finally be able to do this.
Lisa: I am jealous! Actually, I am really happy for you. It sounds like it's going to be quite adventurous and
a lot of fun. I have always wanted to travel, but it was something I wanted to do after I graduated from
university.
Mark: Have you chosen a major yet?
Lisa: Yes, I have. I plan on majoring in psychology. It has been a dream of mine for a long time. I
think it will be fulfilling and very rewarding, to be able to work in the field of psychiatry.
Mark: You do sound quite passionate about it. I wish you all the best. We will catch up later. I got to run. Bye.
Lisa: Bye for now.
Now Your Turn!
Use the expressions below to create a dialogue about your plans for the future.
Expressions/Vocabulary:
"It's something I am passionate about."
"It will be fulfilling."
"I am excited about the future/my plans for the future."
"It is something that will make me very happy."
"It will bring a lot of joy."
"It's been a dream of mine (all my life)."
Complete the sentences below with the expresions above.
Question 1: What are your plans for the future?
Answer 1: I plan on/I want to ________________.
Question 2: Why do you want to tour around Asia and Europe?
Answer 2: I wanted to travel, because (Use an expression above).
Now, make up your own sentences about your plans for the future!
Great job for today!
Thursday, September 16, 2010
Speaking in the Present
Let's look at how to speak about interests, hobbies, or just life in the present tense.
Mike: What do you do at the moment, Zoe?
Zoe: Well, I am an accountant?
Mike: Do you like what you do?
Zoe: Yes, I really enjoy my job. However, I have no time to for anything else.
Mike: What are your interests?
Zoe: I really love the outdoors. I try to go camping and sometimes mountain climbing when I can.
How about you Mike? What do you do?
Mike: Well, I am a freelance writer, so I am able create my own hours. Making time for the fun stuff is not a
problem.
Zoe: So, what do you do in your spare time?
Mike: I love to mountain climb as well, but my favorite thing is to travel internationally. It really gets the
creative juices flowing.
Zoe: I am really impressed! I have to return to work now. It's been nice speaking with you.
Mike: You too. Bye for now.
Zoe: Talk to you later.
Now your turn.
On your own or with a friend. Talk about your interests or your current life or lifestyle.
Question 1: What are you studying?
Answer 1: I am studying/majoring in __________________.
Question 2: What are your interests/hobbies?
Answer 2: I am into/My interests are______________________.
Question 3: What do you like to do in your spare time?
Answer 3: I like (to) ___________________ in my spare time.
Question 4: What are you good at?
Answer 4: (Try building this sentence on your own).
Great Job!
Mike: What do you do at the moment, Zoe?
Zoe: Well, I am an accountant?
Mike: Do you like what you do?
Zoe: Yes, I really enjoy my job. However, I have no time to for anything else.
Mike: What are your interests?
Zoe: I really love the outdoors. I try to go camping and sometimes mountain climbing when I can.
How about you Mike? What do you do?
Mike: Well, I am a freelance writer, so I am able create my own hours. Making time for the fun stuff is not a
problem.
Zoe: So, what do you do in your spare time?
Mike: I love to mountain climb as well, but my favorite thing is to travel internationally. It really gets the
creative juices flowing.
Zoe: I am really impressed! I have to return to work now. It's been nice speaking with you.
Mike: You too. Bye for now.
Zoe: Talk to you later.
Now your turn.
On your own or with a friend. Talk about your interests or your current life or lifestyle.
Question 1: What are you studying?
Answer 1: I am studying/majoring in __________________.
Question 2: What are your interests/hobbies?
Answer 2: I am into/My interests are______________________.
Question 3: What do you like to do in your spare time?
Answer 3: I like (to) ___________________ in my spare time.
Question 4: What are you good at?
Answer 4: (Try building this sentence on your own).
Great Job!
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