49 ESL Conversation Games & Activities - Jackie Bolen 2020
Talk show
English conversation games and activities for all levels
Skills: Speaking/Listening
Time: 15 minutes
Level: Beginner to Advanced
Materials Required: Nothing
Optional Materials: Toy microphones, video clip with monitor
This is a pair work variation of self-introductions. My higher level students tend to find this more fun than the same old self-introductions they do all the time. I set up the front of the class as a talk show set with a desk and chair (for the host) and a chair for the person being interviewed. Then, I divide the students into pairs. Before beginning, I introduce the activity by asking students about talk shows. Most students will be very familiar with the concept. We then discuss what kinds of questions a host might ask.
One pair at a time comes to the front and the two students take turns being the host and the guest. The host is given either a set number of questions to ask or a time limit. After each host’s time is up, the teacher can open the floor to “audience” questions.
Teaching Tips:
While introducing the topic, it may be helpful to brainstorm a written list of questions on the white board for students to refer to as needed. However, remind them that talk show hosts look at the person as they ask questions.
The larger the class, the less time each pair will have to speak in front of the class. So, if a class is very large, limit each pair to 2-3 questions each before switching roles. With a large class and a short period, this may not be a feasible activity for even an entire class period. Another option is to do this as a warm-up over a number of classes with 1-2 pairs each time.
A fun variation on this activity if doing a novel study is to have students pretend to be one of the characters in the book.
Procedure:
1. Before class, set up a desk and chair and another chair, similar to the set-up of a talkshow.
2. To demonstrate, show the class a short clip of a popular celebrity being interviewed on a talk show to show the class, or simply talk about talk shows: what kinds of questions are asked, etc.
3. Divide students into pairs: interviewer/host and guest. (They will switch roles.)
4. Have one pair at time come to the front of the class (the audience) and conduct their interviews. The guests are playing themselves—this is a self-introduction.
5. After a set number of questions (about 5) or your time limit, allow questions to be asked by the audience. Then, have the students switch roles.