Week 4 · Session 4
Getting a word in
Entry phrases, and how Americans expect groups to work.
~40 minSelf-check
4 minutes
A speaker's pitch falls and then there is a pause. This means:
You hear “I think three of them were free.” How many TH sounds?
Getting into a group conversation
6 minutes
Understanding a group is half of it. The other half is joining. These are the phrases that let you in without being rude:
| Say | It means |
|---|---|
| Can I just say — | I am coming in now.the standard entry |
| Actually, that reminds me — | Linking to what was just said.the smoothest way in |
| Sorry, can I ask something? | Politely stopping the flow. |
| Wait, going back to what you said — | Returning to an earlier point. |
| Yeah, and also — | Adding to a point you agree with.easiest of all |
Say the first few words a little louder than feels comfortable. In a group, a quiet start gets talked over — and then it looks as if you had nothing to say.
Watch: how Americans actually behave in conversation
12 minutes
This one is about culture, not sounds. She talks about speaking English in stressful situations and about who is expected to start a conversation. That expectation is different in Nepal and in China, and knowing the American version makes groups much less confusing.
Record your voice note
3 minutes
“In your culture, who usually starts a conversation with a stranger? How is that different from what you have seen with Americans?”
Save it as “Week 4 — Voice Note 3”.
Get ready for your live class
4 minutes
Bring your three voice notes, the Workshop 4 recording, and your Couldn't-Catch List with the number of speakers marked on each entry.
You have finished the hardest week. Week 5 gets easier again — shops, counters, phones and announcements, where you usually know the topic before anyone opens their mouth.