Conversations and

Dialogues
Meenakshi S
Research Scholar
Department of HSS
Conversations

► The ability to make good conversations is a prerequisite for building an effective

professional life.
► An effective conversation is a mutual process, where the thoughts are
transmitted not in isolation but in reactions to those that are received as well.
► A good conversationalist is neither one who monopolizes the conversation nor
one who keeps silent all the while. Therefore, it involves the use of both
speaking and listening skills.
Types of Conversations
Name Definition
Chat The least formal of all conversations, e.g., two friends discussing
about cricket and the latest fashion, or two women talking about
their husbands.
Tête-à-tête French for head-to-head, meaning a confidential/private
conversation.
Dialogue Conversations in a book, play, or film. Also, a formal discussion
between two groups or countries, especially when they are trying to
solve a problem, end a disagreement, etc.
Parley A formal discussion between enemies regarding the terms of a truce
Colloquy The most formal of all conversations (a colloquy on nuclear
disarmament); it can
also be used to ironically describe a guarded exchange
Communion A form of conversation that may take place on such a profound level
that no
words are necessary (communion with nature)
Strategies for Effective Conversations

► A good conversation has a ► Hi! Good Morning

beginning and a closure
► Conversation starters are ► Have you completed the
sentences and phrases used to assignment?
begin a conversation. It can be a
greeting, an enquiry or a reference ► The mess food is getting
to a situations. better these days.
► Hello James, how do you
do?
► Hello Sir, welcome to our
college!
► Conversation closers:
Phrases/sentences used to end the
conversation in an emphatic way.
Eg: It has been nice speaking to you. Have a
nice day/good night.
I have some more things to discuss but I
would like to take leave now. I will get back
to you later. Thank you.
► Involving everyone: A good
conversationalist is not one who
holds the listeners spellbound by
his/her speech, but one who involves
everybody into the conversation.
Involvement of everyone makes a
conversation more interesting,
informative, resourceful, and
effective.
► Arousing and sustaining interest:
Conversations become successful only
when all the participants have
interest in the discussion and
participate in it. A conversation filled
with questions, answers, views,
expressions, statements, and
information always turns out to be an
interesting one.
► Developing ideas adequately: The
best strategy is to build a knowledge
reservoir that never lets our
conversation run dry. Facts and
information always make others enjoy
the discussion. We can gather
knowledge from reading, listening,
watching television, and observations
and experience.
► Using appropriate
language: using gestures
such as nodding our head
while listening, or uttering
uh-huh, etc., adopting
suitable postures,
maintaining purposeful
eye contact, and facial
expression would enhance
the quality of our
conversations
Paraphrasing the presented thoughts or feelings Reflecting the underlying feelings
• What you are saying according to me is … • Had it happened to me I would have been rather
• As far as I understand what you mean is that … upset.
• Do you mean to say that … • That must have been rather satisfying.
• So your feeling is that … • I guess that must make you rather anxious.

Making the others feel appreciated Inviting further contributions

• Fantastic! How do you keep coming up with such • Could you tell me a bit more about that?
good ideas? • How did you feel when you learnt that you were
• What a memory! Wish mine was as good … promoted?
• You learn fast! I wish I could too … • What happened then?

Interrupting politely
• Excuse me, sorry to interrupt, can I add something
here?
• Do you mind if I say something here?
• May I ask you something at this point?
Useful Phrases

Opinions, preferences
Disagreeing
I think …, In my opinion Giving reasons and
I do not think that …,
…, I would like to …, I offering explanations
Don’t you think it would
would rather …, I would
be better if…, I do not
prefer …, The way I see it To start with, The reason
agree, I would prefer …,
…, As far as I am why …, That is why …,
Should we not
concerned …, If it were up For this reason …, That is
consider …, But what
to me …, I suppose …, I the reason why …, Many
about …, I am afraid I do
suspect that …, I am pretty people think
not agree …, Frankly, I
sure that …, It is fairly …, Considering …,
doubt if …, Let us face it,
certain that …, I am Allowing for the fact that
The truth of the
convinced that …, I …, When you consider
matter is …, The problem
honestly feel that …, I that …
with your point of view is
strongly believe that …,
that …
Without a doubt …
Samples

In the class room

Good morning boys and girls. Let me talk to Sunil. Sunil, do you speak English at home?
Yes Ma’am, I speak English with my dad but I speak Hindi with my Mom.
Do you have any difficulty in speaking English?
Yes, at times, in using the correct tenses.
Do you need any help?
Yes, it would be nice if you can help me.
Outside the exam centre

Hi Reena, how are you and how was your exam today?
It was okay … but I could have done better.
Never mind. You can do the remaining exams well. I know you are a good student.
Thanks Varun, for your encouraging words.
What are your vacation plans?
This year I have to do my summer internship at NELCO, Delhi.
That would be an enriching experience. Right?
Yes, my friends who have done there earlier say so.
I wish you good luck for your remaining exams and enjoy your internship.
Thanks Varun, I have to catch 43C to reach Gandhi Circle. Bye.
Bye bye.
 Telephonic Conversation
• Use polite expressions such as ‘How can I help you?’, ‘May I speak to Mr …?’, ‘You
are welcome’, ‘Thank you very much’, ‘May I help you?’, ‘Could you please give
me the details of …?’, etc.
• If you are the receiver, identify your name/your organization’s name as soon as
you pick up the call
• Be clear and precise in your expressions and use pleasant tone of voice while
speaking.
‘Hello when is ‘Rajdhani wont’
• Do not shout. Rajdhani coming?’ move. It’ll stay
• Do not use slangs.
• Do not interrupt the caller when he/she is speaking. where it is.’
• If you are transferring the call to somebody else, please ask the caller to hold on.
• Listen to the caller patiently and get any unfamiliar terms clarified
• Before you call up anybody, think what and how to discuss so that you stay
focused on your objective.
• Do not slam the equipment when the call is completed. Place it softly.
• Do not eat or drink while speaking on the phone.
• Do not talk to others around you while speaking on the phone.
• Do not speak too quickly or too slowly. Use appropriate rate of your voice.
• Reduce the background noise if any.
• Pick up the phone as early as possible. Do not allow it to ring for a long time.
• If you do not return the missed call, apologize/tell reason when the caller speaks
to you next time.
• If the call is not meant for you, try to guide the caller for reaching the right
person.
• If you are the caller, ask the other person, ‘Is it good time to talk to you?/Can I
speak to you for five minutes?’
• Always keep a pen and note pad while taking calls.
• Be enthusiastic and courteous.
• Thank the caller before ending the call.
Sample

Caller: Good morning. Can I speak to Mr Akash Gupta?

You: I am afraid he is not in. He will be in his office only in the afternoon.
Caller: Could I leave a message for him, please?
You: By all means, can I take the message?
Caller: Yes, please. I am Iqbal Ahmed from Modern Corporation. Please tell Mr Gupta to
be at our MD’s office
at 10 o’clock tomorrow morning to discuss the new contract. By the way, may I know who
am I talking to?
You: I am Gopal, his personal assistant. I will pass on the message as soon as he comes in.
Caller: Thank you.
You: You are welcome.
Fin.