Conversation starter #10 - Can you recommend any good books to read?

Books and literature still matter in our 21^st century global culture of blogs, especially for starting conversations. In the past few days, I have had three engaging, satisfying conversations with strangers about books. How?

• Is that a good book?
• Can you recommend a good book?
• What’s the best book you’ve read this year?

Once I broke the ice standing in line, the conversation just flowed. I asked a few questions, shared a few reading suggestions, and enjoyed what had been “dead” time waiting to mail books to customers.

English language learners can develop and deepen their conversation skills with classroom practice. As English students practice more, they also develop the confidence to start conversations with co-workers, fellow English students, fellow bus passengers, or strangers in line. Conversation skills can be practiced almost anywhere, but our English classrooms provide a safe, tolerant, and natural environment to develop and deepen speaking skills.

Here is a link to a conversation lesson called “Reading Pleasures and Tastes” that ESL teachers, English teachers, literature lovers and casual readers might enjoy. It’s chapter #16 from Compelling Conversations: Questions and Quotations on Timeless Topics.

http://compellingconversations.com/pdf/reading_pleasures.pdf

Talking about books feels good, collects information, and helps keep our literary traditions alive!

Ask more. Know more. Share more.
Create Compelling Conversations.
Visit www.CompellingConversations.com