Karmaveer Bhaurao Patil University, Satara

DHANANJAYRAO GADGIL COLLEGE OF

COMMERCE
NAAC Reaccredited with “A+” Grade with CGPA 3.61, UGC-CPE Awardee,
ISO 9001-2015 Recertified, HRD-NIRF Ranked, UDG-PARAMASH

Department of Information Technology

04 - Year B.Com- IT (Hons.) Program

(SKILL ENHANCEMENT COURSE (SEC) FOR SEM I) AS PER N E P - 2020

SPEAK ENGLISH PROFESSIONALLY

IN-PERSON, ONLINE, ON THE PHONE

Through this component, you will be able to work on professional conversational

vocabulary and proper word stress and intonation. After the final lesson you will
be able to present a short "Elevator Speech."
Module – 1
Communicating Grammatically
Introduction

The Word Grammar means different things to different people. To the

ordinary citizen, it connotes to correctness or incorrectness of the language that he or she

speaks. To a college student, it means an analytical and terminological study of sentences.

Knowledge of grammar helps the student in the correction of mistakes and improvement of

written work. A person can’t learn a foreign language accurately only through a process

of unconscious assimilation. Grammar is a sure ground of reference when linguistic

habits fail us. So grammar is indispensable for the student. In this module our aim is to bring

the attention of the language learner about the real utility of grammar in communication

English language. Hence, let’s discuss some given statements below.

Role of Communication

Now-a-days communication has become the heart and soul of the

human life. The process of communication chiefly deals with speaking, listening, reading and

writing. No one really learns grammar. It has

become natural phenomenon that we start

speaking what everybody speaks around

us. We gradually develop a better sense of

understanding with the passage of time.

We don't study grammar of our own

mother tongue to use it for daily

speaking, but when we need to polish our own

mother tongue or we want to learn a foreign

dialect, we have to study its grammar and we usually do that. When we come

to learn a new language like English language, we need to study its grammar; the
importance of grammar cannot be ignored or neglected, and before we do that we need to

understand what grammar is.

What is Grammar?

Grammar is the study of words and the ways words work together; an invisible force

that guides us as we put words together into sentences. Any person who communicates using

a particular language, consciously or unconsciously becomes aware of the grammar of

that language. But in this context I would like cite a wonderful example as described “A

writer has given a beautiful analogy to illustrate the use of knowledge of Grammar. Imagine

two car drivers. The first driver knows only driving and nothing about the working of the

engine. He feels helpless whenever there is some trouble with the machinery. The second

driver knows driving and also understands the working of the machinery. The person who

knows grammar is like this second driver. In case he doubtful about the correctness of a

particular thing, his knowledge of grammar comes to his rescue. Therefore, to

speak in a clearer and more effective manner we have to study grammar. For the person who

has unconscious knowledge of grammar, it may be sufficient for simple language use. But the

persons who wish to communicate in the artistic manner with well-defined structures must go

for the greater depth of understanding and proficiency what the study of grammar offers.

Collective Nouns

What is a Collective Noun?

A collective noun is a naming word used to refer to a group or number of animals, people or
things. One thing you should remember when you use collective nouns in sentences is to use the
right form of the verb.

Nouns name people, places, or things.

A collective noun refers to the names a group of people,

places or things.

Examples of collective nouns are as follows:

hive, herd, fleet, nest, host, class, crew

The subject of each sentence below is a collective noun. Underline the
collective noun.

1) Our scout troop enjoyed a lot at the bonfire last night.

2) The crowd waited outside the store for Summer Sale.
3) My brother's football team won the match with Eagles.
4) Mrs. Lara's class went to hiking trip.
5) That pride of lions was roaming in the forest.
6) The choir sang at the school function.
7) Our family is known in the city.
8) Their company recycles used materials.
9) An colony of ants climbed the wall in my room.
10) The jury did not agree to judgment.

Pronoun

What is a Pronoun?
A pronoun is used in the place of a noun. It substitutes the noun in a paragraph or piece of
writing to avoid repetition of the noun. Pronouns can be used in singular and plural forms. The
verb used in the sentence should be used in accordance with the particular form of the pronoun
used.

Select the correct pronoun that goes with the verb in each sentence.

1. _______ (I, They, He) are having trouble getting back to the library.
2. What time was _______ (we, they, she) planning on leaving?
3. Six of _______ (me, us, you) went to the store with Andy.
4. Every Thursday, Jim goes for swimming with _______. (I, he, them).
5. Sara wanted to watch movie with _______. (them, they,
she)

Fill in the blanks with a suitable pronoun.

1. Tom and I are going to the circus. ________ are meeting at

three o'clock.
2. The baby is crying loudly. ________ looks hungry.
3. You feet are very dirty. ________ must wash them.
4. Peacock is a beautiful bird. ________ has colorful feathers.
5. I have two kitten ________ have a puppy too.

Pronouns Practice Sheet 2

Add pronoun to complete the sentences.

1. The bird sat on branch. ________________ had a worm in it's beak.

2. John was not happy. ________________ had a bad cold.
3. Peter and Sue were excited. ________________ were going to the circus.
4. My marks are not good. ________________ did not study very hard.
5. Linda is a good student. ________________ does her home work.
6. John, do _______________ play the guitar?
7. My brother and I play football. ________________ play in the school team.

Adjectives Sheet 1: Taste

What Is an Adjective?
An adjective is a part of speech that can be used to describe or provide more information about
a noun or pronoun that acts as the subject in a sentence. Adjectives are found after the verb or
before the noun it modifies.

• Bitter
• Spicy
• Bland
• Minty
• Sweet
• Delicious
• Pickled
• Tangy
• Fruity
• Salty
• Tasty
• Gingery
• Sour
• Yummy
• Vanilla-flavoured

Practice-: Insert the correct adjective:

1. Lemons are ________________

2. I don't mind having a desert as long as it's not too ________________
3. I like Mexican and Thai cuisine the most, since both of them can be very
________________
4. I prefer ________________ snacks, like crackers, peanuts.
 5. That food was so ________________! We have should go to that restaurant again.

Adjectives Sheet 2: Colors

• Azure • Lavender • Multicolored

• Gray • Lilac • Turquoise
• Pinkish • Cream • Drab
• Black • Beige • Mustard
• Green • Rosy • Violet
• Purple • Brown • Dull
• Blue • Light • Orange
• Indigo • Scarlet • White
• Red • Crimson • Gold
• Teal • Magenta • Pink
• Bright • Silver • Yellow
• Mauve • Dark • Ivory

Practice

1. In the fall, leaves turn ________________, ________________ and

________________.
2. The sky is ________________ and the clouds are ________________ - what a
beautiful day.
3. Little ________________ dress is an eternal fashion classic.
4. I like subtle colors, like beige, ________________ and ________________.
5. At Mardi Gras, it's all about ________________, ________________ and
________________.

Adjectives Sheet 3: Related to Time

 • Annual • Modern
• Futuristic • Speedy
• Rapid • First
• Historical • Last
• Regular • Old
• Daily • Swift
• Irregular • Fleet
• Short • Old-fashioned
• Early • Future
• Late • Quick
• Slow • Young
• Eternal • Recent
• Fast • New
• Ancient

Practice:

1. My grandparents lived in a charming ________________ house in the suburbs.

2. This ________________ building is all glass, steel and concrete.
3. Get well soon! We're wishing you a ________________ recovery!
4. We were ________________ to the party because of having been stuck in traffic for
nearly an hour.
5. We met ________________ week, but it feels like we've known each other for ages.

Verbs (�क्रयापदे )
Sheet 1: Most Used English Verbs

Verbs in English Grammar

In the English language or any language for that matter, verbs happen to be an essential part of
speech, without which it would be impossible to indicate what the subject is doing. It refers to all
actions, including those related to feelings and emotions. Verbs come in different types and
forms so that they can perform differently in order to provide complete meaning. Before we look
into the types of verbs and the verb forms, let us look at how various dictionaries define the term
‘verb’.

This list provides top 100 most used English verbs

1. be 35. keep 68. lead

2. have 36. let 69. understand
3. do 37. begin 70. watch
4. say 38. seem 71. follow
5. go 39. help 72. stop
6. can 40. talk 73. create
7. get 41. turn 74. speak
8. would 42. start 75. read
9. make 43. might 76. allow
10. know 44. show 77. add
11. will 45. hear 78. spend
12. think 46. play 79. grow
13. take 47. run 80. open
14. see 48. move 81. walk
 15. come 49. like 82. win
16. could 50. live 83. offer
17. want 51. believe 84. remember
18. look 52. hold 85. love
19. use 53. bring 86. consider
20. find 54. happen 87. appear
21. give 55. must 88. buy
22. tell 56. write 89. wait
23. work 57. provide 90. serve
24. may 58. sit 91. die
25. should 59. stand 92. send
26. call 60. lose 93. expect
27. try 61. pay 94. build
28. ask 62. meet 95. stay
29. need 63. include 96. fall
30. feel 64. continue 97. cut
31. become 65. set 98. reach
32. leave 66. learn 99. kill
33. put 67. change 100. remain
34. mean

Practice:

Complete the following sentences with the appropriate form of the verb in brackets:
- the future simple (e.g.: I will dance)
- the future continuous (e.g.: I will be dancing)

1. I promise I ________________ (call) you as soon as I have any news.

2. This time tomorrow Tom ________________ (fly) over the Atlantic on his way to
Boston.
3. Those bags look heavy. I ________________ (carry) one of them for you.
4. They are getting married on Saturday. All the guests ________________ (wear)
white.
5. The following week they ________________ (enjoy) the sun in the West Indies.
6. The sky is a bit cloudy. ________________ (rain) do you think?
7. If you look at this map you ________________ (see) where the islands are.
8. You should have no problem finding him. He ________________ (carry) a guitar.

Determiners (�नधार्रक)

What Is a Determiner? – Meaning and Definition

A determiner is a word that is used to modify or introduce the noun in a sentence. It mostly acts
like an adjective in that it refers to the noun. Determiners include articles, adjectives of quantity,
demonstrative adjectives, possessive adjectives, etc. A determiner need not always be in the
beginning of a sentence; it can be used with nouns placed anywhere in the sentence.

Practice Sheet
Pick the right indefinite determiners (some or any)

1. I would like ____________ coffee.

2. Do you have ____________ money?
3. You can take ____________ bus: they all go in that direction.
4. We have ____________ new interesting books to read.
5. Would you like ____________ desert?
6. There aren't ____________ people in the hall.
7. Do you have ____________ trips planned this month?
8. I will accept ____________ job offer that I'll receive.
9. ____________ day I will find a new hobby.
10. Her baby can be born ____________ day now.

Conjunctions (संयोजन)

What is a Conjunction?
A conjunction is used to combine two or more objects, phrases or clauses. It can also be termed
as connectors as they are employed in sentences to make connections. Conjunctions can be
found in the latter part of a sentence if they are used to connect clauses. If conjunctions are used
to connect objects or phrases, they can appear in the beginning, middle or end of the sentence
according to the position of the objects or phrases.

Practice Sheet

Join these short sentences together using the conjunction 'and' or 'but'.

1. I wanted to buy chocolate. The store did not have any.

2. James swims really well. His diving is impressive too.

3. I bought an enormous cake. Matt and I shared it.

4. John has a brother. He does not have a sister.

 5. We went to the toy shop. The shop was closed.

6. Mr. Tim sat on his armchair. He fell fast asleep.

7. Mark wanted an ice cream. He had no money.

8. Sally fell down. She hurt her toe.

Module – 2
Face to Face communication
What Is Face to Face Communication?

 Definition: Face-to-face communication is defined as a type of

communication in which the speaker and listener see and interpret body
language and nonverbal cues of each other. Non-verbal communication also
takes place when
communication participants
interact face to face.

Face-to-face communication
communicates a message
even before people say
anything. People will notice
the broader significance of
the tone, changing emotions,
mood, and body posture in addition to hearing what they say.

The important characteristics of face- to- face conversation are discussed below-

Straight Communication: The important feature of Face to face

communication is that it is very much direct or straight. The parties involved in
Face to face communication exchange message directly without using any
media. No other communication technique is as direct as it is.
Informal: Face to face communication is very informal. Under this method the
sender and the receiver exchange message freely and openly. No formalities
are maintained here.
Mutual Relation: Face to face communication depends on the mutual
relationship between the sender and receiver of the message. Nobody can
interfere in such type of communication.
No Cost Communication: Face to face communication is a no cost
communication in nature as it does not require any instrumental
arrangements.
Widely Used: In most of the cases, communication takes place in the form of
face to face conversation. Because of its inherent nature, it is widely used in
every sphere of life.
Word of Mouth Effect: Another important characteristic of Face to face
communication is that it produces huge word of mouth effect. It helps to
spread the negative and positive news about anything of the message.
No Legal Base: Face to face communication or communication does not
have any legal acceptability as it is not written. Face to face communication is
almost like invisible communication.
Spread of Rumour: Face to face communication often helps to spread
rumour that may create negative image of the organization.
Effect of Facial Expression: Another important characteristic of Face to face
communication or communication is that here the facial expression of the
sender and the receiver has immense effect of the entire communication or
conversation process.
Instant Feedback: An important nature of face to face communication is that
it produces instant and quick feedback.
  Advantages of Face to Face Communications

People are beginning to disregard authentic

human touch in conversation in the age of
online messaging. Email messages, text
messaging, social media, and phone
conversations are all utilized for
communicating. Although some people
wouldn’t bother when chatting, they
frequently overlook the value of face-to-face conversation. Here are some of the
benefits of face-to-face communication.

1. Body language is displayed

Our body language accounts for more than 90% of human interaction. One can
better understand how the person you’re talking to feels by watching how they
respond. The immediate response conveyed through body posture, non-verbal cues
and facial expressions are one of the advantages of a face-to-face meeting or
communication.

Other modes of communication will never be able to compete with this one on these
grounds of clear and concise communication. One can also detect the inner feeling
of the speaker, which makes it simpler to decipher their emotions. A face-to-face
meeting is considered a highly effective in-person meetings.

2. Establishes business relationships

Face-to-face contact also aids in the expansion of your connection and the
enhancement of future correspondence. It creates an atmosphere of warmth, which
improves the success of your interactions, whether personal or professional.

People wouldn’t be able to develop fellowship if they used emails or smart phones.
Appeal, involvement, and management are all enhanced by face-to-face interaction.

3. Has high regard for the other person

People show that they appreciate them if they make a conscious effort to genuinely
notice the other individual and show people via the expressions that they are hearing
and think about what they are expressing.

People will make them feel valued and understood, and they’ll make sure they’re
paying attention as well. When visitors fly to meet a customer, they demonstrate
worth the time, effort, and money. One may rest assured that they will notice the
communication and will give it their total focus.

4. Enhances efficiency

Efficiency is crucial, particularly in the corporate sector. Meeting with the team will
give out all the facts at once, profit from the spread of thoughts suggested by others,
and enhance general creativity and enthusiasm.

People will also be able to deal with all of the issues at once. This is one of the
significant advantages of having a teleconference with the staff.

5. Enhances confidence and trustworthiness

This statement is only tangentially related to body language and tone of voice.
Actual, face-to-face contact favors individuals since their body language sends
subliminal cues to the other person.

Furthermore, face-to-face contact allows one to clarify things properly and respond
to queries honestly. The employees can notice how the comments and deeds
coincide. This will increase the overall reputation and assist both the manager and
the other people create trust.

6. Confidentiality is protected

Some data should only be shared with one individual. In face-to-face interaction, all
critical information is provided in a private environment to a trusted individual.
Delicate issues may also be handled more efficiently when all parties involved are
respected. When confidential things are spoken, face-to-face contact is
advantageous since there is no record of what is said. Some matters should not be
documented.

7. Easy to persuade

When communicating with someone who disagrees, texting or emailing might be

inconvenient and counterproductive. It’s possible that one doesn’t have the full
attention or merely scanning the words written.

Business owners and leaders must be able to persuade others to see things their
way. It’s a lot simpler to persuade folks to see their point of view when they’re in the
same room as themselves, even if it’s a digital one. One can contact them, adjust
methods, and persuade them of their point of view.

 Importance of Face to Face Communication for Businesses

The following are some of the reasons why face-

to-face communication is so important

1. Keeps staff informed

Face-to-face communication is among the most effective ways to keep all employees
informed, regardless of their demographics. One may get a quick video call and
communicate with a colleague who works in the same area without traveling from
one workplace to another.

Workplace culture has evolved significantly in recent years, and a group’s workers
may work from several places. The advantages of face-to-face communication allow
every employee to feel linked to their group, interact worldwide, and guarantee well-
informed.

2. Makes working partnerships stronger

Employees form bonds when they can share their opinions through face-to-face
dialogue. Direct dealing is crucial because it creates a sense of oneness, which
establishes a basis for trust. Interacting and communicating becomes simple, paving
the path for a better and stronger professional connection.

It is quite good for addressing sensitive issues and ultimately better working
relationships are ensured in the business world via constructive face-to-face
communication.

3. Channelizes Employee motivation and creativity

Face-to-face contact is crucial since it fosters a highly productive and collaborative

workplace. Employees are encouraged to attend meetings and creative sessions.
Face-to-face working environments foster engagement. Workers become more
engaged, resulting in higher enthusiasm and happiness. When people are satisfied
with their work environment, the firm is more likely to innovate.

4. Boosts the productivity

Face-to-face communication is essential because it may inject an extra dosage of

enthusiasm into the participants. They can use video conferencing to arrange video
conferences and communicate with both in and remote employees. Meeting
involvement has become quite simple, and this cooperative atmosphere has proven
to benefit businesses since workers can rapidly and effortlessly answer their
concerns and exchange data.

Face-to-face communication has several advantages, including increased overall

efficiency and the ability to help a firm develop in huge leaps.

5. Improves trustworthiness and eliminates misconceptions

Face-to-face communication is important since it makes it simple to transmit

information because both the sender and the receiver of data may engage directly
with one another. When open communication isn’t allowed, video calls give people a
simple, safe, and quick way to express themselves.

Eye contact, body language, and facial expressions have the advantage of ensuring
that all message is exchanged correctly and without any mistake. A video call’s
biggest feature in digital communication is that there is no possibility for
misinterpretation.

6. Reduces the travel costs

When workers work in different places, attending essential meetings becomes highly
costly and time-consuming. Since everyone must drive both to and from the meeting
venue, video conferencing is one of the most effective ways to communicate directly
while reducing time and expenses.

7. Stronger connections

Text messages aren’t the best way to build trust. A coworker or client who never
sees your face is unlikely to develop the same emotional attachment to you as
someone whose hand you shake frequently. They are aware of your presence.

They understand what you’re saying. However, seeing you build a connection that
can’t be made any other way. Physical encounters can be the next step, but I’ve
found that even the virtual engagement of a Zoom call (complete with available mics
and cameras!) can ensure a successful outcome in this digital age. Knowing
anything about someone may go a long way, even if it’s simply what type of dog they
have or where they prefer to travel. It’s all about personalization. Face-to-face
engagement and socializing foster a sense of belonging and camaraderie, which
leads to a better long-term working relationship.

 Activities -:
 1. Write a Dialogue between You and Your Teacher about which
Course to Study at Vacations.

2. Complete the following Dialogues-

• Megha calls up Rajat to make a plan for New years. Complete the
dialogue between Megha and Rajat by filling in the gaps.
• Megha : (i) ………………….. this New year?
• Rajat: I don’t have any plans.
• Megha: How do you like the idea (ii) …………………. the Sapna’s
party?
• Rajat: That sounds fantastic, But I (iii) ………………….my parent’s
permission.
• Megha: I’ll come to your house this evening and request your parents
to allow you to join me to go to a party.
• Rajat: Ok.
• Megha : (iv) …………………….. in the evening?
• Rajat: Yes. They will be at home.
• Rohit: Then I’ll surely come.

3) Complete the following dialogue between a girl and her mother.

Mother: I want you to learn to prepare a few dishes during these vacations.
Daughter: Is it really necessary?
Mother: (a) ______________________________________________
Daughter: (b) _____________________________________________
Mother: (c) _____________________________________________
Daughter: (d) _____________________________________________
Mother: (e) _____________________________________________

4) Complete the following dialogue.

Friend 1 – Priyanka, 2 – Hemant

Priyanka: (a) _____________________________________________ !

Hemant: Actually, I am going for an interview.

Priyanka: (a) _____________________________________________ !

Hemant: Well, It begins in half an hour.

Priyanka: (a) _____________________________________________ !

Hemant: Oh! Come on. Who sticks to the watch?

Priyanka: (a) _____________________________________________ !

Hemant: Yeah, I’ve called them up and secured an appointment for myself.

Priyanka: (a) _____________________________________________ !

Hemant: Thank you so much.

4) Write face to face dialogue between

Two friends about cricket match

Teacher and student about assignment

Doctor and patient

Teacher and student about exams

Shopkeeper and customer

Mother and son about vacations

Teacher and student about studies

Mother and daughter about preparing any food item

Bank manager and student for education loan

Father and son about road safety rules

Mother and daughter about vacations

Dialogue conversation between 6 friends

Conductor and passenger

Father and son about studies

Grandfather and grandson about old days

Grandmother and granddaughter about schooling

Mother and daughter about junk food

 Principal and parent

Module – 3 Meet and Talk people online

The internet can be a great place to meet new people, make friends, or find a partner. If you
are an introvert or have social anxiety, socializing online might feel easier than getting to
know someone in person.

But talking to people on the internet can be awkward. For example, you might not know how
to start a conversation or reach out to someone you like on a dating app.

In this guide, you’ll learn how to find people to talk to, how to have fun online conversations
and how to set up in-person meetings while staying safe.

How to start a conversation online

The best way to start a conversation depends on what type of site or app you are using. For
example, if you’re on an app for making new friends, you’ll be sending and receiving direct
messages. If you’re talking to someone in a forum, you may talk for the first time on a public
thread. Here are some tips that cover different scenarios.
1. Respond directly to a post or thread

Responding to something they’ve posted, for example, on social media, is often the simplest
way to start a conversation. If you have something in common, highlight it. People are often
drawn to others they think are similar to themselves.[1]
You don’t need to write lengthy responses. A couple of sentences is often enough,
particularly on social media posts.

For example:

• [Commenting on a photo of someone’s cat] “What a beautiful cat! Is he a

Persian?”
• [In response to a post about the best London restaurants] “Definitely
recommend Dozo, Soho. Probably the best sushi I ever had!”
Don’t scroll back a long way through their posts and comment on something that’s more than
a few weeks old because you may come across as creepy, especially if the other person
makes a lot of posts.

2. Send a direct message about a post or thread

Sometimes you can start a conversation by directly messaging someone to ask about
something they mentioned in passing on a thread or in a chat.

For example, let’s say you’re posting on a thread about making candy and chocolate at
home. In their response, another poster briefly mentions that they own huskies who like to
watch them when they cook.

You could say, “I didn’t want to clutter up the thread on chocolate-making with talk about
dogs, but you mentioned that you’ve got three huskies, and I wondered if I could ask you a
couple of questions about the breed? I’ve been thinking of getting one for a while.”

3. Comment on the other person’s profile

When you’re reaching out to someone on a website or app that lets members fill out a
profile, it’s usually a good idea to show in your first message that you’ve paid attention to
what they’ve written.

For example:

• “I read in your profile that you love stand-up comedy gigs. Who did you see most
recently?”
• “Hey, I see you’re a keen chef! What kind of things do you like to make?”
If someone has posted some photos, you could look at them for clues that point to their
hobbies or interests.

For example, if one of their pictures shows them hiking in a forest, you could write something
like, “That place in your third photo looks beautiful! Where were you hiking?”

4. Mention mutual friends

Talking about mutual friends or acquaintances can be a good ice-breaker. For example, let’s
say you notice that the person you’d like to talk to on social media is friends with two of your
old college friends. You could start a conversation by saying, “Hey, we’re both friends with
Anna and Raj! We all went to college together. How do you guys all know each other?”
5. Give a sincere compliment

Sincere compliments can make you come across as kind and gracious. Complimenting
someone early on in your conversation can create a good first impression.

In general:

• It’s usually best to avoid overly personal remarks about someone’s looks. Highlight
their accomplishments, talents, or tastes instead.
• Only give a compliment if you mean it, or you risk coming across as insincere.
• Add a question to the end of your compliment to make it easier for them to respond.
For example:

• [On a dating or friendship app]“I read on your profile that you’ve completed three
marathons this year! That’s impressive. How long have you been running?”
• [On a social media post] “Cool outfit 🙂🙂 I love your sense of style! Where did you
get that bag?”
6. Open with a question on a chat app

If you’re talking to a complete stranger in an anonymous chatroom or via an anonymous

app, it can be hard to think of a conversation opener because you don’t have any clues
about who they are or what they are interested in.

You could:

• Initiate a conversation by telling them something interesting about your day, then ask
a follow-up question. For example: “So I woke up at 5 a.m. this morning after having
a crazy dream about being chased by a bear. How’s your day going?”
• Look at their username for clues or hints about what they’d like to discuss. For
example: “That’s an interesting username! What made you pick ‘Applesaurus’?”
• Ask if they’d like to play a game, e.g., “Would You Rather” or an online game.

7. Think carefully before using pickup

lines

You might have come across lists of

dating site pickup lines. Some people
claim they are a good way to start a
conversation or make you appear
confident and attractive.

But research has shown that pickup lines,

especially flippant, flirtatious openers
(e.g., “Should we meet up sometime or just keep talking from a distance?”) are less well-
received than direct, more innocent messages (e.g., giving someone a compliment or asking
about something on their profile).In general, it’s best to avoid readymade lines and send a
personalized message instead.

8. Establish yourself in the community

If you’ve joined a community, such as a forum, other users may find it easier to trust you if
they have already seen your name and read some of your public messages.
Before reaching out to individual users, try to make a few public posts or leave some
comments on other peoples’ threads.

If there’s a place for introducing yourself—for example, an “Introductions” subforum or

channel—make a post there. Look at the other posts to see what kind of things people tend
to share. In general, a brief, positive post with a bit of interesting information (e.g., your
hobbies or special interests) will create a good impression.

9. Fill out your profile or “About Me” section

Give people some idea of your personality, hobbies, and interests. A good profile can attract
potential friends who share your passions. For example, if you write on your profile that you
love nature photography, another keen photographer can use your common interest as a
conversation opener.

Where to find people you can talk to online

There are lots of apps and sites you can use to talk online. You may want to seek out
communities of people who share your interests, or you might be happy to chat with anyone
who seems friendly.

3. Social media

Facebook, Instagram, and other social media sites can connect you to new people.

For example, on Facebook, you can look for interest-based groups and pages. Tap the
“Groups” button to get recommendations for groups you might be interested in, groups that
are popular near you, and your friends’ groups. On Instagram, use the hashtag search to
find people who share your interests, or try the geotargeting feature to find people who live
nearby.

4. Forums and message boards

Reddit is a great place to start looking for likeminded people on the web. Its subforums
(“subreddits”) cover almost every subject imaginable. Use the search page to find
communities that appeal to you. If you are looking to make friends, you could join the
following subreddits where you can find users who also want to meet new people:

• MakingFriends
• MakeNewFriendsHere

Alternatively, you can use Google to find forums on most topics by searching for “[keyword]
+ forum.”

4. Discord servers

A Discord server is an online community, usually centered around a specific topic or game.
There are millions of servers; whatever your interest, there will probably be several that
appeal to you. Use the search page to browse communities you can join.
5. Videogame streaming sites

Streaming sites can be a good place to make conversation with people who like to watch the
same streamers. Depending on the site, you might be able to take part in a live public chat
or talk to someone one-on-one. For example, Twitch has a messaging function that allows
you to send direct private messages to other users.
6. Friendship and dating apps

If you are looking for a relationship, you may find people to chat or meet up with on dating
apps, including Tinder, Bumble, or Hinge. If you want to make new non-romantic
connections, try a friend app such as BumbleBFF or Patook.
7. Supportive chat services

If you are going through a difficult time and want to talk with a trained listener or other people
with similar problems, you could try:

• My Black Dog: A mental health support service staffed by trained volunteers.

• 7Cups: A listening service and online peer support community for anyone who wants
to talk.

How to keep a conversation going online

Whether you’re in a chat room, using a dating app, or exchanging messages on social
media, the same basic principles apply:

1. Ask open-ended questions

Open-ended questions encourage the other person to share interesting details instead of
giving “Yes” or “No” answers.

For example:

[Commenting on a profile photo of them with their dog]:

• Closed question: “Is your dog friendly?”

• Open-ended question: “Your dog looks so friendly! What kind of games does he/she
like to play?”
[After you find out they are in nursing school]:

• Closed question: “Cool! Is it hard work?”

• Open-ended question: “Cool! What’s the most interesting thing you’ve studied so
far?”
Let yourself be curious about the other person. If you aren’t sure whether or not a question is
appropriate, it can help to ask yourself, “Would I be happy if someone else asked me the
same thing?” If you’re shy online, focusing on the other person can help you feel less self-
conscious.

2. Avoid giving one-word answers

If you give someone very brief answers, they might find it difficult to think of something else
to say. Providing some extra information and adding a question of your own can help the
conversation to run more smoothly.

Let’s say someone asks what you are studying at college. Instead of giving them a brief
factual answer (e.g., “Literature”), you could say, “I’m studying Literature. I’ve always loved
novels and short stories, so it seemed a natural fit! 🙂🙂 Are you working or studying at the
moment?”
3. Do something together

When you make friends with someone in person, it’s often easier to bond if you share an
experience.

This can also work online. If you send someone a short online video or article, you have
something in common: you’ve both watched or read the same thing, and you can discuss it.
If you get on well and have more time, you could stream a movie together or play an online
game.

4. Gradually move to deeper topics

To avoid getting stuck in small talk, take the conversation in a deeper, more interesting
direction. A simple way to do this is by asking personal questions that encourage the other
person to open up about their thoughts, feelings, hopes, dreams, and opinions.
For example:

• Ask questions about feelings rather than facts. For example: “So what did it feel like
to move cross-country with only six weeks’ notice?”
• Ask about their goals and ambitions. For example: “It sounds like your career is
really important to you. Are you aiming for another promotion right now?”
• Ask them about their opinions on a deep or philosophical topic. For example: “I
sometimes think all our jobs will be replaced by AI in our lifetime. Tech is moving so
fast. What do you think?”
• Ask them about their fondest memories. For example: “What’s the best party
you’ve ever been to?”
• Ask them for advice. For example: “I’ve got to get my sister a graduation gift, but I
have no ideas at all! I want something a bit quirky and unique. Any suggestions?”
5. Match the other person’s level of investment

When you talk to someone online, they will usually feel most comfortable if you are both
putting in a similar amount of effort.

If you don’t appear to be very invested (e.g., if you only give short answers and don’t ask
many questions), you’ll come across as aloof or bored. On the other hand, if you appear too
eager (e.g., by bombarding them with questions), the other person might feel overwhelmed
and decide that you are too intense.

As a general rule, follow the other person’s lead. For example, if they write positive,
lighthearted messages, use a similar tone. Or if they send you one or two sentences, don’t
send lengthy paragraphs in response.

There are exceptions to this rule. For example, if you’re posting anonymously on a mental
health or relationship support forum, it would be appropriate to open up about your personal
life so that other people can support you.

6. Know when to quit

If the person you’re talking to isn’t putting in much effort, it’s OK to cut your losses and end
the conversation. You could say, “It’s been good chatting, but I’ve got to go now. Take care!
:)”

If someone seems to lose interest or the conversation starts to feel forced, try not to over
think it or take it personally. They might be busy, stressed, or simply distracted by something
else.
How to make plans to meet offline

If you meet someone you click with, you might want to meet them face to face for a date or
to hang out as friends.

• Ask if they’d be open to the idea of meeting up. For example, you could say, “I really
enjoy our chats! Would you be interested in meeting up?”
• If they say “Yes,” suggest an activity. It’s a good idea to pick something that relates to
your shared interests. For example, if you both love arcade gaming, you might ask,
“Would you like to check out the new video arcade in [town name] at the weekend?”
Tell them you are also open to other ideas. This makes it easy for them to put
forward their own suggestions if they don’t like yours.
• If they say they’d like to meet, fix a time and place. You can say, “What day(s) and
time would work best for you?”
Alternatively, if you’ve been talking over text, you could ask the other person whether they’d
like to talk over video. This can make you both feel more comfortable than meeting in
person. If it goes well, you can make plans to see each other offline another time.

If they say “No thanks” when you ask to meet, show that you respect their decision while
making it clear you’d still be interested in meeting up in the future. For example, you could
say, “No problem. If you’d like to hang out sometime, let me know :)”

How to create a good impression online

If you come across as rude, other people won’t want to talk with you for long. Remember
basic netiquette.
For example:

• Do not write in all caps. It can make you come across as aggressive or obnoxious.
• Do not spam a chat. Sending multiple messages in a row is considered bad
manners.
• When you write messages, use correct grammar and punctuation. Keep your
sentences short and clear.
• Remember that it’s easy to misread tone online. Emojis can be helpful when you
need to clarify your intent or mood. For example, if you want to make it clear that
you’re joking, a laughing emoji signals that you don’t want the other person to take
your message literally.
• On a forum or social media, do not hijack threads with irrelevant topics. Start
your own thread instead.
• Observe virtual communities for a while before posting. Most communities have
their own set of social rules and norms (which might not be written down anywhere),
and you may get negative pushback if you break them. Watching what other
members do can help you avoid breaking the rules. For example, if you are posting in
a forum that values serious content and thoughtful posts, sharing memes or adding
jokes to a thread probably won’t get a positive response.
• Be polite and respectful. If you wouldn’t say something to someone’s face, it’s
usually best not to say it online.
• Do not start or get dragged into arguments or hostile debates. You don’t have to
engage with everyone who irritates or disagrees with you. It’s OK to ignore or block
them.
How to stay safe when talking to people online

There are lots of genuine people on the internet who want to have fun, interesting
conversations. But remember that in most cases, you can’t really be sure who someone is
online.

Most internet safety tips are common sense:

• Never give out your home or work address, full name, or any financial information.
• If you meet up with someone in person, tell someone where you are going, who you
are seeing, and pick a public place to meet.
• Feel free to end a chat with anyone who makes you uncomfortable by blocking them,
closing a chat window, or logging off.
• Remember that anything you write or say can be saved, recorded, or screenshotted,
even if you’re chatting on an app that automatically deletes your chats after a specific
amount of time.
• If you are posting on a public forum, bear in mind that you might not be able to edit or
delete your posts. Be selective about the information you share in case someone
tries to identify you later.

Activity
Answer the following questions considering you are a
chatting online with your friend
1) What’s your favorite sport?
2) What’s your favorite movie or movie genre?
3) What is your favorite food or restaurant?
4) What are your favorite books, magazines, websites, or blogs?
5) If you could visit anywhere in the world, where would you go?
6) What’s your favorite activity to do alone?
7) What’s your favorite thing to do when you have time off?
8) What are some things that you’ve always wanted to do but haven’t?
9) What do you like to do that’s fun and relaxing?
10) What’s your favorite thing to do with your family?
11) What qualities do you like in a friend?
12) What are some things that you like to spend your money on?
13) What kind of music do you like?
14) What kind of books do you like?