* 4 Starting and Ending a Conversation (p.2 of 2)
4.7 When you make a person interested in a topic
You won’t believe this. Listen A “I have incredible news.” <“You won’t believe this! Airlines are cancelling flights as we speak. Something extraordinary has happened.”>
You won’t believe what Jane has just told me. Listen <“You won’t believe what Jane has just told me. Our company was sold to an overseas corporation.”>
Have you heard? Listen A “Have you heard the latest news?” < – “What?” – “Our flight was cancelled.” – “And what are we going to do now?”>
Have you heard the latest? Listen < – “No. What’s going on?” – “They are moving our department to another building.”>
Did you hear what happened? Listen < – “No. Tell me.” – “There is a major oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico.”>
Did you hear the news? Listen < – “No. What happened?” – “The stock market dropped three hundred points in one hour.”>
You’ll never guess what I heard. Listen < – “What is it?” – “The CEO of our company had an affair with his secretary.”>
Guess what I’ve just found out. Listen < – “What?” – “They are going to build a high-speed rail system across California. Our company can be a part of this project.”>
Get this. Listen A “Listen to this news.” < – “What?” – “I’m going to continue my education in Europe.”>
Are you ready for this? Listen A “Are you ready to listen to my incredible news?” <“I have to tell you something. Are you ready for this?” – “I can hardly wait.” – “You have been voted the employee of the month.”>
You know what? Listen A “Have you heard what happened?” < – “No. What?” – “I think our daughter is pregnant.”>
Do you want to know something? Listen < – “What?” – “Somebody bent the rear bumper of your car.”>
4.8 When you direct somebody’s attention to an object
Look here. Listen <“Look here. The local newspaper published a new article about our school.”>
Look at this. Listen <“Look at this. Isn’t this view majestic?”>
Take a look at this. Listen <“Take a look at this. I’ve never seen such an animal.”>
Look what we have here. Listen <“Look what we have here. It’s a fox with cubs.”>
4.9 When you respond to an invitation to talk
What is it? Listen A “What do you want to talk about?” <“I need to talk with you.” – “OK. What is it?” – “Your dog pooped on my lawn again.”>
What’s up? Listen A “What is going on?” <“Do you have a minute?” – “Sure. What’s up?”>
What’s the problem? Listen A “What problem do you want to talk about?” <“Bob, we need to talk. It’s urgent.” – “What’s the problem?”>
4.10 When you confirm that you are paying attention
I’m listening. Listen A “I am listening to you. You have my attention.” <“I’d like to tell you something.” – “I’m listening.”>
I hear you. Listen <“What I told you is very important. Do you understand?” – “I hear you.”>
I heard you. Listen <“This threat is imminent. We have to take action immediately.” – “I heard you.”>
I am all ears. Listen <“Have you heard the latest? It’s awesome!” – “Keep talking. I’m all ears.”>
4.11 When you reprimand your listener for not paying attention
You’re not listening. Listen <“How can I explain it to you? You are not listening.”>
You’re distracted. Listen <“I’ve repeated it twice. You still don’t understand. You’re distracted.”>
You’re a million miles away. Listen A “You are far away. You are not paying attention.” <“I’m talking to you, and you’re a million miles away.”>
You seem to be absent-minded. Listen <“How can I make you listen? You seem to be absent-minded.”>
I’m not finished with you. Listen A “You are not listening already while I still have more to say.” <When the father stopped yelling, Bob thought the scolding was over. But the father said, “Young man, I’m not finished with you.”>
4.12 When you signal the end of a conversation
Well, it’s really good to see you, but I have to go. Listen < – “It was nice talking to you.”>
I’m sorry, but I have to go now. Listen < – “Well, see you next time.”>
It was so good to see you again. Listen < – “I was glad to see you, too.”>
Well, it’s getting late. Listen < – “I have to go, too. >
4.13 When you end a conversation abruptly
Oh, look at the time! I must go. Listen < – “I’m glad you stopped by.”>
I have to run. Listen < – “I hope to see you again sometime.”>
I have to say good-bye now. Listen < – “OK. Come again when you can stay longer.”>
Sorry, but I have to leave now. Listen < – “Drop by sometime.”>
I’m late. I’ll call you. Listen < – “OK, I’ll be waiting for your call. Don’t forget our conversation.”>
I’m gone. Listen A “I am leaving right now.” <“OK, you guys. Thanks for the evening. I’m gone.” – “See you around.”>
I’m off. Listen <“Well, it’s getting late. I’m off.” – “I’m off too. Good-bye.”>
I’m out of here. Listen <“It’s time to go. I’m out of here.” – “Thanks for coming. Bye.”>
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