In a controlled environment speaking English with others is relatively1 easy, as youre probably practising particular expressions or vocabulary.
But in the outside world, conversations can be a lot more unpredictable and things can go wrong in conversations. Maybe you dont understand the other person or maybe they dont understand you. Maybe youre talking about a difficult subject with technical vocabulary, or maybe the other person uses a lot of slang2 or English idioms that you dont understand. Here are some tips and strategies3 for when there are communication problems.
You dont know the word 碰到不了解的单词
Sometimes we forget the right word, or we realise as were speaking that we dont know the word we need. We can also forget the word if we are under pressure, such as in an exam. But the important thing is to keep going dont let the conversation sTOP! If you dont know the word, try to say it in another way. Define4 it, give an example, or give a synonym5.
For example, if you cant remember the word mug you can try these:
Definition6 概念法
Its something you can drink coffee from.
You can use it to drink coffee from.
Its used for coffee.
Examples, explanations and descriptions
Its made of china. You use it for drinking coffee.
Its bigger than a cup.
Synonym 近义词法
Its like a cup, but bigger.
Its similar to .
Its a kind of .
The other person doesnt understand you 别的人不可以理解你
Youll probably guess that this has happened from the blank look on the other persons face.
Ask a question such as Do you know what I mean? or Sorry, have I lost you?
Or use a rephrasing phrase, such as Let me say that again, or Let me put that another way.
You run out of things to say 你不了解怎么说了
A conversation should be two-way. If you find that you are talking all the time, or if you dont have anything else left to say, get the other person to contribute by asking a question.
You can try a short question like in this example from our page on how to keep a conversation going:
We tried out the new Chinese restaurant last night.
Did you?
Or you can ask a more direct question, such as What do you think? or whats your opinion?
You dont know how to end the conversation 你不了解该怎么样结束交谈
Some conversations should be short. For example, asking someone for directions, giving directions, asking for information in a shop are all situations where the conversation comes to a natural end. In these situations, a simple Thank you shows both people that the conversation is over.
But in other situations, you might just be chatting, with no particular purpose. End the conversation with a phrase like Id better get going or I think thats my bus / train to end the conversation naturally.
