Tips and Techniques for Conversation Partners Program
Become an effective conversation partner!
As a Conversation Partner, your main role is to facilitate conversation practice, not be an ESL teacher or tutor. You should not assist the international students with their classroom assignments. A natural and personable conversation is more important than accurate English usage.
Tips and techniques
- Speak at a natural pace. Slow down when you feel it is necessary to help your partner understand.
- You can repeat or paraphrase, as well as ask your partner to repeat if you have trouble understanding.
- Keep a normal volume to your voice.
- Elaborate topics instead of answering “interview” questions, short yes/no questions, unrelated topics.
- Bring “props” such as pictures of your family, books that are of interest, magazine articles, etc.
- Use gestures, non-verbal cues, and facial expressions to explain your question or topic.
- You can ask your partner to write down their question or repeat “I’m sorry but I don’t understand”.
- Discourage native language use as much as possible.
- Don’t be too serious.
- Encourage “small talk” and try to use new vocabulary.
- Be patient and sensitive to their cultural perspectives.
Remember! Don’t categorize students or assume cultural/background knowledge. Don’t judge the student’s English skills on their speaking ability. Encourage them to make friends outside of class.
Prepare for your conversation
It is helpful to prepare a list of questions/topics ahead of time. Some people may feel shy or worried about their English skills, so think about ways to extend a topic if your partner appears to have little to say. Ask your partner what topics they would like to discuss as well.
Conversation topic ideas:
- Get acquainted
- What brings them to The University of Akron
- Where do they live?
- Do they have family here in the U.S., etc.
- Compare the differences between the U.S. and their country
- Work, climate, educational system, cuisine, etc.
- How are prices compared to the U.S.?
- What types of clothes, cars, homes, do they have?
- Traveling in their country
- Attractions, holiday destinations, they're favorite places to go, etc.
- Music
- Favorite type of music, singer, what type of musical instruments do they play, do they sing, etc.
- Cuisine and traditions
- What are their favorite foods in their country and the U.S.?
- Do they cook?
- What restaurants do they like here in the Akron area?
- Share your favorite places to eat.
Remember to have fun and enjoy this experience. It is a wonderful learning experience for both of you!
Questions?
If you have any questions or want more information contact Nicola Kille, Student Services Counselor in the English Language Institute at international@uakron.edu.