Conversation Tennis is a handy way to practise speaking in English. You don't need rackets to play this kind of tennis! In fact, all you need is another person. This could be a friend, a colleague or a professional Learn English tutor.
How to play Conversation Tennis:
How to play Conversation Tennis:
- Get in to pairs.
- You start a conversation 'rally' with: "Hi, how are you?"
- Your partner replies: "I'm good, thanks. How are you?"
- You reply: "I'm good. Thanks......."
- Try to keep the conversation going with as many 'shots' as possible. Try to get at least 8 shots (4 each) for every conversation.
- The first three 'shots' are easy. This is how most conversations start in English. If you want to carry on the conversation you need to get a bit more creative!
- You might add another line to your reply to keep the conversation going. For example:
- "I'm good, thanks, but I'm really busy at work!"
- "I'm good, thanks. It's cold though, isn't it?"
- "I'm good, thanks. I was just watching an amazing show on TV!"
- Your partner might respond:
- "Are you? I bet you're looking forward to the weekend then!"
- "Yes. It's freezing!"
- "Really? What was it about?"
- Asking questions such as "isn't it?" at the end of sentences tells your partner that it is their turn to speak and helps a conversation to flow.
- Starting a reply with "Yes", "Really?" or "Are you?" can express agreement and show interest, depending on your tone of voice. This helps to keep conversations polite and pleasant!
