How to talk in a group in natural British English
When you are in a group of acquaintances, colleagues, or new friends, it is common to find it more difficult to speak than when you are talking to one person alone. The phrases you have learned in textbooks may not be suitable. People in the group may speak very fast or have unusual accents. It can be hard to show you are interested. You may not have natural short phrases you can use to encourage and empathize with them without interrupting the flow of the conversation.
To help you to integrate in a group using natural British English, study the phrases below and try using them in your next group conversation. Pay attention to whether the phrase is informal, natural or formal and listen to see if others are using them too. When you grow more confident with your vocabulary choices you will feel more confident in the group in no time!
(1) Phrases to use with people who speak too fast or have unusual accents
DO USE natural English:
Say again? (informal)
Sorry, I didn’t quite catch that. (neutral)
I beg your pardon? (formal)
DON’T USE textbook English:
Please repeat.
(2) Phrases to show the speaker you are interested in what they are saying
DO USE natural English:
I see. (neutral)
Right. (neutral)
I get you. (informal)
DON’T USE textbook English:
I’m listening.
(3) Phrases to show you empathise with the speaker’s difficult situation
DO USE natural English:
Oh dear (neutral)
Poor you (informal)
Oh no! (informal)
DON’T USE textbook English:
“I understand that was a difficult situation for you”
(4) Phrases to encourage someone to continue talking, after they were interrupted
DO USE natural English:
Do go on… (informal)
As you were saying… (netural)
DON’T USE textbook English:
Keep talking please
If any of these phrases helped you when talking in a group, let us know!
We love to hear your success stories here at PS English!
Take care,
Emma / PS English Teacher
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