Ó d7tr8q Talking to strangers Do you find it difficult to talk to strangers? Which topics are easy to talk about? Which topics should you avoid? Listen to Ben and answer the questions. 1 In his experience, is it easier to talk to strangers in England or in Austria? Why? 2 What places and situations does he mention? 3 Can you think of easy conversation openers in a private context? Discuss the questions in pairs or groups and compare your findings in class. 1 In Austria, how often do people talk to strangers in these situations? ■■ in a queue ■■ on public transport ■■ in the street ■■ in shops 2 Do you think things have changed in the last 20 years? 3 Do you ever speak to people in these situations? Why? Why not? Listen to five short conversations, A–E. Which conversation is about: 1 an environmental issue? 2 a purchase? 3 a piece of luggage? 4 a technical device? 5 somebody’s native country? What does each speaker ask the other person to do? Look at the highlighted expressions from the conversations. Which questions 1–7: A ask for an opinion or information? (2x) C ask someone to do something? What? (2x) B do you say before you ask someone to do something? (2x) D ask for permission to do something? (1x) Would you mind (1) if I opened the window? (2) asking him? People often begin a conversation with these polite expressions, but usually continue with direct questions: A: Could I ask you to do something for me? B: Sure. A: Can you fill that in for me? Could I ask you (3) a favour? (4) to do something for me? (5) to look after my case? Could you tell me (6) your views on that, please? (7) a little bit about it? How do the strangers respond in each situation? Talk together, then listen again. Ben is a communication trainer from Great Britain, living in Austria Listening 1 a e894y5 53 b c Vocabulary Polite requests and questions 2 7v353q 54 a b c d 111 9 Unit speculate about the past write an email giving information give a talk and take questions Goals make polite requests and ask polite questions do a survey talk about acts of kindness and bravery criticise past actions and suggest alternatives Living and working together Nur zu Prüfzwecken – Eigentum des Verlags öbv
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