Vocabulary: Idioms & Fixed Expressions (B2) - Lesson 4: Fixed Expressions for Discourse Management

Lesson 4: Fixed Expressions for Discourse Management

Controlling the Flow of Conversation

Great speakers don't just know words; they know how to manage a conversation. Discourse management is like being a traffic controller for your dialogue. It involves using fixed expressions for signposting—giving signals to your listener about where the conversation is going next. Are you adding a point? Changing the subject? Disagreeing politely? Using these phrases will make your English sound much more natural, organized, and easy to follow.

Key Vocabulary

• Discourse Management (noun phrase) | ការគ្រប់គ្រងសន្ទនា
  The skill of organizing and controlling a conversation.
• Signposting (noun) | ការដាក់សញ្ញាណែនាំ
  Using words and phrases to signal to a listener what you are about to say.
• Transition (noun) | ការផ្លាស់ប្តូរ
  The process of changing from one subject or stage to another.

The Expression Bank: Six Conversational Tools

Here are six fixed expressions that you will hear and use all the time in daily conversations.

1. To Add Another Point

• Expressions: On top of that, ... / As well as that, ... / Not only that, but...
• Application: Use these to add another piece of information to strengthen your argument.
• Example: The tour was very crowded. On top of that, the bus was 30 minutes late.

2. To Change the Subject

• Expressions: By the way, ... / Anyway, ... / Speaking of which, ...
• Application: Use "By the way" to introduce a completely new topic. Use "Speaking of which" to transition from something that was just mentioned.
• Example: I finished the report. By the way, are you going to the party on Saturday?
• Example: "I need to get my moto repaired." / "Speaking of which, do you know a good mechanic in Kampot?"

3. To Give Your Opinion

• Expressions: As far as I'm concerned, ... / From my point of view, ... / The way I see it, ...
• Application: These are excellent phrases to clearly and politely state your personal opinion.
• Example: As far as I'm concerned, the new coffee shop near the Old Market is the best in town.

4. To Politely Disagree

• Expressions: I see your point, but... / I take your point, but... / I understand what you're saying, however...
• Application: This is a crucial skill. You first show respect for the other person's opinion before giving your own, different view.
• Example: I see your point that a motorbike is faster, but I think a bicycle is better for enjoying the countryside.

In Conversation: Planning a Weekend

Here is a short dialogue between two friends, Piseth and Chanlina, discussing their plans.

Piseth: I'm so glad it's Friday! Any plans for the weekend?

Chanlina: Not really. I was thinking of just relaxing. In general, my weekends are for resting.

Piseth: That's a good idea. I was thinking of going to the market. On the other hand, it's probably going to be very busy.

Chanlina: It usually is. Oh, by the way, is that new coffee shop near Pub Street open yet?

Piseth: As far as I know, it opens next week. We should go then!

Chanlina: Definitely. My brother wants to visit it too. He knows he has to study for his exams, but he said he'll have to take a break sooner or later.

Check Your Understanding

1. 1. The bus should be here at 2 PM, ________, but sometimes it's late.
   • a) by the way
   • b) all of a sudden
   • c) as far as I know
   Answer: C) as far as I know
   This expression correctly shows that you believe the information is true but are not 100% certain.

2. 2. I love living in Cambodia because the weather is warm. ________, the traffic can be really bad sometimes.
   • a) On the other hand
   • b) In general
   • c) Sooner or later
   Answer: A) On the other hand
   This expression is used to introduce a contrasting idea (warm weather vs. bad traffic).

3. 3. If you keep practicing every day, ________ you will become a great guitar player.
   • a) by the way
   • b) sooner or later
   • c) all of a sudden
   Answer: B) sooner or later
   This means "eventually" or "at some future time."

4. 4. We were watching the football match, and ________ the lights went out!
   • a) in general
   • b) on the other hand
   • c) all of a sudden
   Answer: C) all of a sudden
   This correctly expresses that something happened suddenly and unexpectedly.

Your Mission

1. Active Listening: Find a YouTube video or podcast of two native English speakers having a conversation. Listen for 5 minutes and write down any of today's fixed expressions that you hear.
2. Write a Paragraph: Write a short paragraph (3-4 sentences) about your opinion on online learning versus classroom learning. Try to use "in general" and "on the other hand" in your paragraph.
3. Start a Conversation: Next time you are speaking English with a friend, try to use "by the way" to change the topic naturally.