English Culture Videos

“Meeting People”

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Instructions: Watch this video and answer the questions. Then, read the script at the bottom of the page.

Which question would probably NOT be the best one to start a conversation?

Where are you from?

What do you do?

What's your name?

First of all, don't ask the person's name, question number one. It just seems a little odd and unusual.

You should avoid ______ when introducing yourself.

talking about your personal problems

discussing your marital status

mentioning all of your good points

The other thing is be sincere and keep your conversation to a minimum about your many accomplishments. Don't say that you've participated in 27 marathons.

Randall also advises caution not to ______.

give out your contact information

make negative comments about people

discuss religion or politics

And the other thing is don't give out your email and phone number unless you really have a good reason for doing so. It just seems a little odd, and people might be scared away.

Online Investigations and Discussion Questions

What are natural and effective ways of striking up (beginning) conversations with new people? What questions would you absolutely NOT ask during a first encounter?

Video Script

Hi, I’m Randall. The outdoors provides many opportunities in your local area to meet the people; however, you want to be careful on how you introduce yourself and strike up a conversation.

First of all, don’t ask the person’s name, question number one. It just seems a little odd and unusual.

The other thing is be sincere and keep your conversation to a minimum about your many accomplishments. Don’t say that you’ve participated in 27 marathons.

And the other thing is don’t give out your email and phone number unless you really have a good reason for doing so. It just seems a little odd, and people might be scared away.

Well, gotta go.