Taking Turns in a Conversation

Taking Turns in a Conversation

Take turns to speak and listen.

One person at a time

  • Let the other person finish.
  • Then it is your turn to speak.

Show you are listening

  • Look at the person talking.
  • Nod or say yes to show you are listening.

Examples

Example 1

  1. Your helper says: “I went to the park.”
  2. You wait, then say: “That sounds fun.”
  3. Then they speak again.

Example 2

  1. You say: “I like cake.”
  2. Your helper waits, then says: “I like cake too.”
  3. You take turns.

Activities

  • Learner: Have a short chat with your helper. Take turns to speak and listen.
    Helper: Start a short chat about something simple, such as a favourite food. Take turns. Pause to let the learner speak.
  • Learner: Ask your helper a question, then listen to their answer.
    Helper: Let the learner ask you a question. Answer it, then ask them a question back. Keep the turn-taking going.
  • Learner: Practise waiting until your helper has finished before you speak.
    Helper: Say a short sentence. If the learner starts talking, gently pause and ask them to wait until you finish.

Checklist

  • I let the other person finish
  • I waited for my turn
  • I looked at the person talking
  • I showed I was listening
Start the interactive Taking Turns in a Conversation lesson → ← Back to Functional English