Speaking: Interactive Communication B1
Keeping Conversations Going
From "Dead End" to Dialogue 💬
Have you ever had a conversation that just... stops? At B1 level, your job is to be an active listener who can prevent these "dead ends" using simple techniques.
A "Dead-End" Conversation 🥶
An "Active" Conversation 🔥
The "A-R-C" Method for Active Listening
To be an active listener and keep the conversation going, use this simple three-step method.
- A
Acknowledge: Show you heard them with a simple reaction.
e.g., "Oh, really?", "Wow!", "I see." - R
Relate: Make a comment that connects to their story.
e.g., "That sounds fun.", "I feel the same way." - C
Continue: Ask a follow-up question to get more detail.
e.g., "What happened next?", "Why did you do that?"
Tips for Better Follow-ups
🗣️ Intonation of Follow-up Questions
The music of your question depends on its type.
- Wh- Questions (What, Where, Why, etc.) usually have a falling intonation.
Example: "What did you do there?↘" - Echo Questions (repeating a word) always have a strong rising intonation to show surprise.
Example: "He paid for everyone?↗"
Practice Your Conversation Skills 🎯
Activity 1: Choose the Best Follow-up
Read the statement and choose the best response to keep the conversation going.
- Statement: "I'm so exhausted. I had to work 12 hours yesterday."
Response: a) I like my job. b) That's a long day. c) Oh no, that sounds awful! Why did you have to work so long?
→ Correct answer is (c). It uses the A-R-C method. - Statement: "I've decided I want to learn Japanese."
Response: a) That's interesting! What made you decide on Japanese? b) Do you like Japan? c) I see.
→ Correct answer is (a). It's the most engaging response.
Activity 2: Keep It Going!
Work with a partner. Student A makes a true statement about their week. Student B must use the full A-R-C method to respond. Then, switch roles.
Example:
A: "I tried a new restaurant for dinner on Saturday."
B: "Oh, really? (Acknowledge) I love trying new places. (Relate) What kind of food was it? (Continue)"
Your Interaction Toolkit
- Follow-up Question A question that asks for more detail about what your partner just said.
- Relevant Comment A statement that connects your own experience to what your partner said.
- Echo Question Repeating a keyword with rising intonation to show surprise and ask for more information.
- That reminds me of... A phrase to connect your partner's story to one of your own stories.
Your Communication Mission ⭐
This week, your mission is to be a great listener. Have one conversation in English where your only goal is to make the other person talk as much as possible. Listen to everything they say and use the A-R-C method (Acknowledge, Relate, Continue) to respond. Try to ask at least three follow-up questions.