Conversation II: How to continue a conversation

How to Continue a Conversation in English

Can you keep a conversation going in English?

In this lesson, you will learn how to keep a conversation going, without running out of things to say!
Here’s an example of how not to have an English conversation:

“Did you have a good weekend?”
“Yes, I did. And you?”
“Yeah.”

Unfortunately, the conversation stops here because there’s no natural way to continue it. This is OK if you only want to have a quick conversation (for example, if you are quickly passing a co-worker in the hallway). But how can you have a longer conversation in English?

3 Keys to Continuing a Conversation in English

1. Ask questions that start with Who, What, When, Where, Why, and How. Try to avoid yes/no questions.
2. In each of your answers, give one or two details that will help continue the conversation. You don’t need to talk for a long time.
3. Talk about these topics:
   • Family
   • Interests/Hobbies
   • Sports
   • TV, movies, and popular culture
   • Music
   • Current events
   • Interesting places in the city
   • Travel

Unless the other person is a very good friend of yours, avoid topics like politics, religion, sex life, health problems, and personal finances.

Example English Conversations

Here are two example conversations – notice how each person adds one or two details, and then there is a follow-up question about the details.
Conversation 1:

“Hey, how was your weekend?”

“Pretty good! I went to a baseball game with my brother.”

“Really? Who was playing?”

“The Yankees and the Red Sox. We’re huge Yankees fans!”

“Yeah? How was the game?”

“Very exciting – it was tied until the last inning, when we won 2-1.”

“Haha, that’s great! I can’t say I’m a baseball fan, myself – I prefer basketball.”

“Basketball, huh? Playing or watching?”

“Both – I’ve played basketball since I was a kid.”

“No kidding! You must be really good.”

“Well, I just play for fun. It’s a great workout.”

“I bet. I could use more exercise myself, but I don’t think I’m cut out for basketball. I was thinking of joining a martial arts class…”

“That sounds interesting! Which one?”

Conversation 2:

“What a beautiful day! It feels like summer!”

“Sure does! I can’t wait for the summer – we’re taking a big family vacation in June.”

“Oh? Where are you going?”

“We’re going to Colorado for a month of hiking and camping. Have you ever been there?”

“Yes, I’ve actually been to Denver twice on business trips… but they didn’t involve any hiking!”

“Haha. How about you – any special plans for the summer?”

“No, not really. I’ll probably take a few weekend trips to visit friends, but I’m saving up my vacation time for December, when I’m going to Costa Rica.”

“Wow! Why Costa Rica?”

“Well, my best friend from college lives there now – she owns a hotel, and she invited me to spend a couple of weeks there to escape the cold winter weather.”

“How wonderful! Do you speak any Spanish?”

“Barely any – only what I remember from classes in high school…”