49 ESL Conversation Games & Activities - Jackie Bolen 2020

Cocktail party
English conversation games and activities for higher level students

Skills: Speaking/Listening

Time: 10-20 minutes

Level: Intermediate to Advanced

Materials Required: Nothing

Small talk is a necessary skill, but can be difficult for non-native speakers, especially those from countries where such conversation is not common. Explain to the students that they are at a cocktail party being thrown by their company. They must engage in small talk with a group of 3-4 people for 2-3 minutes.

It may be necessary to scaffold the activity with common cocktail party conversation: current events, sports, even the weather, if they must. Let them know certain topics are typically NOT appropriate at a cocktail party: political opinions, religious discussions, salary, or any other controversial topics. Additionally, demonstrate how to ask follow-up questions.

The main points of the activity are to practice speaking with people they don't know well about inconsequential topics and asking follow-up questions. Wrap up the activity by asking each group what topics they discussed and give feedback.

Teaching Tip:

Depending on the level of students, when demonstrating the activity, you may need to bring to their attention that you are making follow-up questions based on your partner’s answers. Otherwise, students may end up asking each other a list of unrelated questions without really listening to the answers.

Procedure:

1. Explain to the class that they will be attending a cocktail party for their company.

2. Elicit from students typical topics of cocktail party conversation. Add to the list, as necessary: current events, sports, favorite TV shows (particularly very popular ones that the other guests are likely to be familiar with), etc.

3. Elicit from students topics of conversation which would not be appropriate, such as salary, age, religion, etc. If necessary, explain that these topics would be considered too personal or controversial for a cocktail party.

4. Have students stand and begin to mingle.

5. After 2-3 minutes, have students change groups. Time allowing, have them chat in three groups for 2-3 minutes each.