Conversation Gambits - Eric Keller, Sylvia T Warner 1988

To the Student

How natural is your conversation in English?

The main way we make our conversation sound natural is by using gambits' A gambit is a word or phrase which helps us to express what we are trying to say. For example, we use gambits to introduce a topic of conversation; to link what we have to say to what someone has just said; to agree or disagree; to respond to what we have heard. In one sense, a gambit has very little meaning — it does not express an opinion; it may only introduce the opinion. On the other hand, if we never use gambits in our conversation, other people will think we are very direct, abrupt, and even rude — they will get a wrong picture of us as people So gambits are full of meaning. They show our attitude to the person we are speaking to and to what (s)he is saying.

We could go into a shop and ask, How much is this? But it is more natural and pleasant if we ask, Could you tell me how much this is please? If you have just heard that your teacher is going to get married, you could walk into the class and announce the fact, but you will have more effect if you start, Are you sitting down? You won't believe this but our teacher is getting married.

If you want to express a deeply-held belief, people will understand you better if you start, I personally feel that ... — and if you think your view is surprising, people will react better if you introduce it with, Not everyone will agree with me, but I think (we should bring back hanging]. Gambits will make your English sound more natural, more confident, and will make you easier to talk to. Above all, you will not be misunderstood.

The activities

In each of the activities you are asked to work in pairs or small groups to have conversations. In each activity there is a list of gambits at the side. Before you start your conversation, make sure you can say them. Try to use them in your conversations. If you find them difficult, have the conversation again and try to use them. It will help you if, after your conversation, you try to write it down and include the gambits. Then read aloud what you have written Do not try to memorise the gambits. You will remember them better if you try to involve yourself in the activities in an active way. Ask your teacher if you sound natural when you use them. Above all, try to use them whenever you have an English conversation outside the classroom.

Remember, for these activities the gambits are as important as the content of your conversation!

The last activity (63. Mini-conversations) includes a list of subjects for discussion which you can use for ideas in many of the activities.