C1 · Social & Small Talk · Conversation Openers
Ten English Phrases for Starting a Conversation
Mike models conversation openers and follow-up questions for meeting people, talking about work, and commenting on something around you. The lesson is most useful when learners choose a question that fits the setting and the other person’s comfort.
麦克老师示范初次交谈和后续提问的表达，适用于认识新朋友、谈工作以及评论身边事物。学习者应根据场合和对方的舒适度选择问题。
麥克老師示範初次交談和後續提問的表達，適用於認識新朋友、談工作以及評論身邊事物。學習者應根據場合和對方的舒適度選擇問題。
Read the full lesson summary
Ten English Phrases for Starting a Conversation is a guided c1 · social & small talk · conversation openers lesson for English learners who want to understand and use language in this real-life situation. The short description introduces the lesson; this expanded guide draws its details from the transcript and its phrase notes, so it focuses on what this particular video actually covers rather than a generic channel overview.
What the lesson covers
The lesson moves through Introducing the lesson and conversation openers; Choosing a low-pressure question to begin talking; Asking about someone’s background and interests; Commenting on an object to open a conversation; Talking about work and shared situations; Practising greetings and keeping the conversation going. Following that sequence helps learners connect each expression to what the speakers are doing, asking, or responding to, instead of memorizing vocabulary as a disconnected list. Listen for how the meaning changes with the situation and how the speaker's wording keeps the exchange moving.
Language to take away
- What do you think — A question inviting someone’s opinion about a topic, choice, or situation. Neutral and open; the topic determines whether it feels casual or serious.Use it when: Use it when both people have enough context to discuss the same subject.When it may not fit: If the topic is personal or sensitive, explain what you are asking about and let the person decline.Example: “What do you think of the new café across the street?”
- are you from around here — Ask whether someone lives in or is familiar with the local area. Casual small talk; can feel personal depending on the setting.Use it when: Use it when location is relevant, such as meeting someone while travelling or at a local event.When it may not fit: Do not assume someone’s nationality or immigration status from their appearance; offer a less personal alternative.Example: “Are you from around here, or are you visiting for the festival?”
- from here originally — Ask where someone is from before moving to their current location. Conversational but personal; use only when the exchange feels comfortable.Use it when: Use it after someone has mentioned living or working in the current place.When it may not fit: It can feel intrusive or imply that someone does not belong; avoid it as a default opener.Example: “You’ve lived in Seattle for years—are you from here originally?”
A way to use this lesson
Pick one opener that suits a shared setting, then add a follow-up question based on the other person’s answer. Replay the relevant moment, then adapt the language to a real conversation you expect to have. Keep the original situation in mind: the goal is not simply to repeat a sentence, but to choose wording that suits the people, purpose, and tone of the exchange.
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Transcript
Select an expression for its meaning · 0:00
Introducing the lesson and conversation openers
Shirt and I'm in my new studio slash office. ? Not too bad.. Office. What do you think? Not too bad. Still working on the lights and some stuff in the background. It's a work in progress. Anyway, we moved out of the apartment. We're in a house now. Very excited about it. Hopefully, now that we're settled here, I can just get to making consistent content for you guys,, making consistent content for you guys, my fans. Today, I want to help you a little bit with your confidence. We're going to talk about the 10 phrases.. Going to talk about the 10 phrases. That's all you need. 10 phrases to start a conversation in English with anyone. I still have www.michelasher.com. I've got all my courses there, including my free ones.. Courses there, including my free ones. If you are in China, it's much easier to go to my wayongjong realm. I've got some
Try it: Pick one opener that suits a shared setting, then add a follow-up question based on the other person’s answer.
Phrase cheat sheet
All phrases at a glance
Review each expression, hear it, save it, or jump to where it appears in the video.
What do you think
Introducing the lesson and conversation openers · expression
A question inviting someone’s opinion about a topic, choice, or situation.
Tone and use: Neutral and open; the topic determines whether it feels casual or serious. Use it when both people have enough context to discuss the same subject.
May not fit: If the topic is personal or sensitive, explain what you are asking about and let the person decline.
Example“What do you think of the new café across the street?”
are you from around here
Asking about someone’s background and interests · expression
Ask whether someone lives in or is familiar with the local area.
Tone and use: Casual small talk; can feel personal depending on the setting. Use it when location is relevant, such as meeting someone while travelling or at a local event.
May not fit: Do not assume someone’s nationality or immigration status from their appearance; offer a less personal alternative.
Example“Are you from around here, or are you visiting for the festival?”
from here originally
Asking about someone’s background and interests · expression
Ask where someone is from before moving to their current location.
Tone and use: Conversational but personal; use only when the exchange feels comfortable. Use it after someone has mentioned living or working in the current place.
May not fit: It can feel intrusive or imply that someone does not belong; avoid it as a default opener.
Example“You’ve lived in Seattle for years—are you from here originally?”
is that the new Sony camera
Asking about someone’s background and interests · expression
A question about an object someone has, used to show interest and begin a conversation.
Tone and use: Friendly and specific when the observation is accurate. Use it when you recognize an item and have a genuine follow-up question.
May not fit: If you are unsure what the item is, ask generally rather than guessing the brand or model.
Example“Is that the new Sony camera? How are you finding it?”
what do you do for work
Commenting on an object to open a conversation · expression
Ask about someone’s occupation or kind of work.
Tone and use: Common small talk, though it can feel overly job-focused in some settings. Use it when work is relevant or the conversation has already turned to occupations.
May not fit: Consider “What keeps you busy?” if you want a broader, less personal question.
Example“What do you do for work, if you don’t mind me asking?”
how’s it going
Practising greetings and keeping the conversation going · expression
A casual greeting asking how someone is or how things are progressing.
Tone and use: Relaxed and friendly; a brief “Good, thanks” is a normal response. Use it with friends, colleagues, or people in informal settings.
May not fit: For a formal introduction, “How are you?” may be more appropriate.
Example“Hey, how’s it going? How was your weekend?”
Knowledge check
Practice the phrases you heard
Use it in a sentence · “What do you think”