Compelling Conversations – Japan Focuses on Fluency and Authentic Communication for Japanese English Language Learners
“The most important thing we learn at school is the fact that the most important things can’t be learned at school.” ~Haruki Murakami (1949- ), Japanese author Do your English students want to speak more English? Do you currently teach Japanese English language learners? Are you looking for an engaging, fresh EFL conversation book to guide your English students...
Read MoreConversation Tip #9: Ask questions
Questions keep the conversation flowing Photo Source: Wikimedia Commons”Judge a man by his questions rather than his answers.” -Voltaire (1694-1778) French Enlightenment WriterAsking questions always generates more conversation; after all, an answer always follows. As mentioned before, asking questions provides a quick way to find common interests with people. Questions like “What is...
Read MoreConversation Tip #8: Engage in the surrounding world!
Immersion in literature, current events, arts stimulates conversation Photo Source: Wikimedia Commons“When you’re curious, you find lots of interesting things to do.” -Walt Disney (1901-1966) American business magnate, animatorAre your students sometimes unsure of what to talk about? Perhaps they could bring up this morning’s headlines, last week’s bestseller or Friday’s new film release....
Read MoreConversation Tip #5: Search for common interests
Finding commonalities sparks conversations Photo Source: Wikimedia Commons “Don’t walk behind me, I may not lead. Don’t walk in front of me, I may not follow. Just walk beside me and be my friend.” -Albert Camus (1913-1960), French novelist and Nobel Prize winner We can learn a great deal from our conversations, even about our own interests and hobbies! Finding a...
Read MoreConversation Tip #1: The right attitude is key
Positive attitudes generate positive experiences Photo by Teresa Ling “In order to carry a positive action, we must develop here a positive vision.” -Tenzin Gyatso (1935- ) the 14th Dalai Lama So often our desire to have meaningful conversations overshadows the reason why we want to have them in the first place: to learn from others. Every time we interact with family, friends, acquaintances and...
Read MoreReflections from Fourth of July, Independence Day
Source: Wikipedia Commons Drawing inspiration from the American holiday “I have sworn upon the altar of god eternal hostility against every form of tyranny over the mind of man.” ―Thomas Jefferson (1743-1826), Principal author of the Declaration of Independence and Third U.S. President Every year Americans celebrate the Fourth of July in honor of the Declaration of Independence and the eventual...
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