Stop Playing Conversation Catch
Sometimes, teachers say conversation is like playing catch because our ideas go back and forth like tossing a ball. Today, let’s look at some examples of why you should stop playing catch.
First: What not to do.
A: What do you do?
B: I work for an auditing company.
A: What do you do there?
B: I’m a senior team leader.
A: Have you worked there long?
B: Yes, I’ve worked there for about five years.
A: Do you enjoy your job?
B: Yeah, it’s interesting.
Pretty good! This is a successful conversation. It has good grammar, both speakers understand each other, and they communicated everything important, but it isn’t natural.
Let's take it to the next level.
A: What do you do?
B: I work for an auditing company as a senior team leader. I’ve worked there for about five years.
A: Do you enjoy your job?
B: Yeah, it’s interesting. It’s not easy, but I like a challenge. How about you? What line of work are you in?
A: Well, I’m a sales rep for a small fintech company called PayZ.
Much better, but what’s the difference?
1. Answers are longer.
2. Person “A” asks a question back.
Maybe this looks like a small change, but this is a big jump in making speaking more natural.
Tip:
X catchball
O catch
Ex: My dad and I loved playing catch in the yard.
Ex: Do you want to play catch?
