10 Interesting Topics of Conversation for Every Occasion

Don't panic! You can be interesting. Interesting topics of conversation needn't be difficult to come think of. Think about this - what makes a topic interesting? Isn't it that people like to talk about it and that they have opinions on it?

Once you realize that, you'll see that for interesting topics of conversation come from everyday life and things that we all have in common. Then you'll realize it's not so difficult to think of them.

Don't think you have to be controversial and go for risky topics like politics and religion; you don't. In fact, to do so would be a mistake.

Whatever topic you choose should make people relaxed and happy to talk; controversial subjects don't do that. Think instead about what all people share: families, hopes, dreams, experiences etc.

Here are a few interesting topics of conversation to get you started:

1. Who is the most interesting person you ever met? You can see how this would easily lead people to voice opinions and ask 'why?'.

2. Where in the world would you most like to visit? This dream location may be shared by others and so it makes people feel solidarity, but also, people will be itching to ask 'why?' and keep the conversation flowing.

3. What has been the most life-changing experience you've ever had? Here, people can share funny and touching stories if they want to, which will help you get a deeper understanding of them. Likewise, if people don't feel relaxed enough to give a heart-felt reply they can answer in a funny way and it all adds to the conversation.

4. What is the most spontaneous thing you've you ever done? That opens the door to all sorts of funny and romantic stories.

5. Who's had the biggest influence on your life? Because this person has influenced the person you're asking, they must view them positively and have strong ideas about them. That means they're likely to enjoy talking about them.

6. What thing that you haven't yet done would you most like to do? This kind of inspirational question always gets people talking and everyone's usually happy to chip in with comments about people's hopes and wishes. Just be careful when commenting that you don't rain on their parade. It's their right to have whatever hopes they want.

7. What is the best quality you've inherited from either of your parents? This is particularly interesting at a family gathering when people know the parents you're talking about. It's also a bit of a bonding experience, speaking favorably about your parents.

8. From which person have you learned most in your life? This is another uplifting, positive topic of conversation that usually gets people talking.

9. What historical figure do you most identify with? This lets you know something about the other people around you; it also opens up discussion of the events these historical figures were involved in. Yes, potentially it takes you into dangerous waters of politics and religion but people usually take this question in the spirit of fun in which it's meant, so potentially awkward moments are easily averted.

10. What kind of music do you like? You could then go on to talk of CDs you've bought or gigs you've been too. You might even ask - 'what's the most embarrassing album in your collection?' That's usually met with all-round hilarity!

These ideas should show you that interesting topics of conversation don't need to be complex or intellectual - in fact, the more ordinary the better, because then people feel qualified to talk about the topic.

Developing English Language Speaking and Conversation Skills in LEP Learners

Focus on Speaking

When asked by the Department Director to "focus on developing speaking ability" with a group of adult university learners supposedly in the upper intermediate level, I embarked on a program involving multiple integrated skills. These were LEP learners with passable knowledge of grammar, but below-standard oral communications skills. Their English Language speaking skills needed urgent development.

Speaking and listening are complimentary Language skills. (S. Thornbury, 2002; Brown and Yule, 1983) "If you can say it, you'll understand it when you hear it", is a mantra I've taught and learned language by for more than a decade of my English language teaching experience.

Useful Criteria

In developing speaking and conversation skills I've found the following strategies to be useful:

o Use a survey or questionnaire to determine learner interests, background, learning styles, etc. (L.M. Lynch, 2004)

o Play speaking and vocabulary games for practice

o Give frequent and regularly recorded oral evaluations
(M. Thompson, 2001; Eggan / Kauchak, 1994; Hilles ref. by Thompson, 2001)

A Speech Development Program

Preparing a speech development program begins with an oral evaluation of each learner. A voice recorder or video camera both are useful aids. Played back, the teacher then has opportunity to analyze speech patterns and problems in more detail, noting such aspects as:

o Pronunciation (G. Kelly, 2003)

o Connected speech (G. Kelly, 2003)

o Grammar use in context (M. Swan, C. Walter, 2002)

o Discourse markers

o Fluency

o Vocabulary / lexis use in context (A: Worrall,1965; H. Setzler, 1981; R. Dixson, 1983)

Analysis Tools

A video recorder (analog or digital) allows the teacher to make note of physical mannerisms that accompany the learners' speech as well as the speech itself. Relevant and recordable speech-associated traits (C. Ashcroft, 1993) include:

o Rocking motion of the body or head

o Arm, hand and / or facial gestures

o Foot tapping, leg swaying

o Posture, head and / or body positions

o Other physical idiosyncrasies

A survey or questionnaire which takes the learners only a few minutes to check off, select or answer short questions can provide needed, in-depth information on their interests, hobbies, family, preferred learning styles, motivations and other aspects essential in preparing and conducting an effective speaking development program.

Effective Speaking Practice Activities

A selection of speaking practice activities to offer multiple opportunities for oral discourse must be programmed. Although many learners are shy or self-conscious about speaking in front of others, with practice, this soon diminishes to manageable levels as learners gain confidence.

Effective Activities are ones such as:

o Speech - generating Games (A. Lloyd, A. Prier,2000; J. Hadfield, 1984)

o Oral communication - based short activities (P. Ur, A. Wright, 1996)

o Oral presentations (D. Gutierrez, 2005)

o Dialogues (E. Hall, 1967)

Summary

Since speaking and listening are complimentary language skills, by applying a program based on complimentary speaking and listening comprehension development, learners can improve their English language speaking and conversation skills by using multiple integrated skills-based activities. Using language experience with adults (K. Kennedy, S. Roeder, 1975) and teaching vocabulary / lexis in context are highly beneficial in speaking skills development. (V. French, 1983) Regular practice, assignments and oral production involving a spectrum of oral discourse methods will be an invaluable resource for both the English language learners and the English language teacher.