Course: How to... Speak English / Unit 1 / Session 27 / Activity 1

But it is possible to extend a conversation even with a limited vocabulary and have some fun?

EXAMPLEIf you breathe in really sharply (demonstrates) like that. That shows that you're really surprised or you're really shocked at what you've been told.YvonneNative speakers make use of linking words as well as various sounds to keep a conversation going and to show interest in what someone is saying.And these sounds can certainly help to keep a conversation lively!Here's how Carrie and I extended our conversation just as it seemed to be ending.We were sharing some office gossip so the topic wasn't important or official and was very informal.You'll notice that we used very few words and ooh and ummm sounds are just as important. What do you think those sounds tell us?EXAMPLECarrieWell, you see; it pays to be in the office sometimes.

Ooh, ooh, ooh.CarrieYes, yes, yes.YvonneI've got a bit of gossip for you.

Go on, go on, go on.YvonneGuess who's seeing who?

In the office?YvonneIn the office.CarrieUmmmmm - give us a clue.

Ooh sounds can be used to show that you've just remembered something really exciting and worth talking about.

EXAMPLECarrieWell, you see; it pays to be in the office sometimes.

Ooh, ooh, ooh.YvonneThe ummm sound that Carrie used indicated that she was taking some time to think of an answer to my question.

EXAMPLECarrieUmmmmm - give us a clue.YvonneSo we've heard two small sounds which made our conversation fun and exciting, and helped us to extend it. Here's another chance to hear that conversation about two people in our office.This time, listen out for how many times I say ooh, and how many times Carrie says the word yes and the short phrase go on.

EXAMPLE