American Greetings and Easy Conversation
I. “What” vs. “How” Greetings
“How” Greetings Responses (Feelings)
How are you doing? I feel wonderful.
How’s it going? I’m great.
How’s everything? Pretty good.
How’s life? Not so good. Not so bad.
“What” Greetings Responses (Usually Action)
What’s new? Nothing. I’m just studying.
What’s happening? I’m going to lunch.
What’s going on? I’ll go home soon.
What’s up?* Not much. I’m tired.
II. AAA: A Conversation Technique – If you remember three steps, it is easy to have a conversation. When someone asks you a question,
1) Answer the question
2) Add some comments
3) Ask a similar question
III. Hints
1. Try not to think too much. Say what comes to your mind.
2. Keep to the same topic to be safe.
3. Start a new topic if you have something interesting to talk ask.
Asking and Giving Opinions
Asking Someone’s Opinion
Do you think…?
What do you think …, (name)?
What’s your opinion, …(name)?
Giving Your Opinion
I think…
I believe…
I feel…
Agreeing Disagreeing
I agree. For example,…. I understand, but…
I think so, too, because… Yes, but…