Listening Content

[2:25] English Listening Practice: How to Keep a Conversation Flowing Naturally

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This article explains how to maintain natural and smooth conversations in English listening and speaking practice, with examples and techniques such as body language, rejoinders, and clarification.

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Content

Listen and also watch the two speakers. What do they say? How do they move their bodies? Small world. How do you know Maria? So you know Maria is from Colombia. Well I stayed in Bogota for two years. Really? Yes. In fact I lived right next door to Maria's family. How interesting. So you've really moved around. Yeah I have. I'll have to email Maria until I'm at you. Oh no that'd be great. So when was the last time? I'm sorry. Um, last time I moved. Oh no I mean the last time you saw her. Oh I guess about ten years ago but we do still keep in touch. Oh that's nice.

How can you have a great conversation with someone you just met? First, show your interest in the speaker with nonverbal actions. Nod your head. Look at the speaker. Be open in your posture. That means you could lean a bit forward or tilt your head. All of these actions show you are listening.

Show your interest and understanding with rejoinders. A rejoinder is a quick reply. Usually one or two words that you say as someone is speaking. Hmm. Uh huh. Oh really? Great. Good. That's interesting. So how do you know her? And how do you like Seattle? Oh, when was the last time? What happened?

If you don't understand the speaker you can show that with nonverbal signals. A puzzled expression. A head tilt. You can also say things to clarify or get the speaker to explain. Sorry? I'm sorry. You said? You mean? Could you say that again?

Listening Comprehension

clarify
verb
1. make clear by removing impurities or solids, as by heating
e.g. clarify the butter
clarify beer
2. make clear and (more) comprehensible
e.g. clarify the mystery surrounding her death
Synonym: clear upelucidate
posture
noun
1. characteristic way of bearing one's body
e.g. stood with good posture
Synonym: carriagebearing
2. the arrangement of the body and its limbs
e.g. he assumed an attitude of surrender
Synonym: positionattitude
3. capability in terms of personnel and materiel that affect the capacity to fight a war
e.g. we faced an army of great strength
politicians have neglected our military posture
Synonym: military capabilitymilitary strengthstrengthmilitary posture
4. a rationalized mental attitude
Synonym: positionstance
rejoinder
noun
1. (law) a pleading made by a defendant in response to the plaintiff's replication
2. a quick reply to a question or remark (especially a witty or critical one)
e.g. it brought a sharp rejoinder from the teacher
Synonym: retortreturnripostereplicationcomebackcounter