Have you ever had trouble joining a conversation at work because you weren\u2019t familiar with the topic?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
There are strategies that can help you join in anyway!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Listen in today and learn how to be part of a discussion on a topic you don\u2019t know.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Lindsay asks Aubrey if she has ever been part of a conversation on a topic she wasn\u2019t familiar with.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Aubrey responds that it often happens.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
She\u2019s interested in topics she hasn\u2019t encountered or heard much about.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In these situations, she often asks a lot of questions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This gives her a chance to learn about the topic from others that know more about it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
She would avoid asking rapid-fire questions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Instead, she would plan on listening and learning.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The situation would also depend on the number of people in the conversation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Today\u2019s episode is inspired by a question sent by a listener to the All Ears English hosts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Here is the question:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\nMost times I don’t know how to join a conversation because I don’t understand their topics. For example, when my native friends talk about business news or politics. What can I do to improve this? Thank you.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Marie Yang<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\nA shared experience<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
It\u2019s very common to experience being in a conversation and not knowing much about the topic.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This is inevitable if the discussion is in a language you’re learning or with people of different cultures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Lindsay and Aubrey share with you a structure that can help you navigate through a conversation on a topic you\u2019re unfamiliar with.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
With each recommendation, they share a mini roleplay as an example of how you can apply it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\n#1: Ask questions<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
There is no shame in being unfamiliar with the topic.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
No one expects you to read every article in the news or be updated on every topic out there.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Asking questions can give encourage the person sharing about the topic.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It\u2019s a good opportunity to connect and give affirmation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Asking questions helps in building a good relationship and gives you a chance to learn something new.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mini roleplay<\/strong>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\nLindsay:<\/strong> Mark Cuban was saying if he could go back in time he\u2019d go into AI.
Aubrey:<\/strong> Oh, really? I didn\u2019t see that. Did he say why?
Lindsay:<\/strong> He was talking about how easy it is to do as a side hustle and doesn\u2019t require a degree.
Aubrey:<\/strong> Was this on a podcast?
Lindsay:<\/strong> It was a news article.
Aubrey:<\/strong> I imagine it\u2019s pretty lucrative working in AI – do you know?<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n#2: Guide conversation to familiar territory<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Most conversations rarely stick to one subject the entire time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
You can touch on other relevant topics or move to an entirely different topic.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
You can definitely bring up something you\u2019re familiar with once the topic has been discussed thoroughly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Once you\u2019ve asked questions and given everyone a chance to share thoughts, your next step is to find a good time to pivot<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mini roleplay<\/strong>:
(continuation from the previous role play)<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n\nLindsay:<\/strong> Yes, he said on the podcast that teenagers with no degree are making 6 figures in AI prompt engineering.
Aubrey:<\/strong> It does seem like things are changing and a university education isn\u2019t always required for a good salary.
Lindsay:<\/strong> Interesting. That was definitely the expectation when I was a teenager.
Aubrey:<\/strong> Same. But a lot of my friends\u2019 kids aren\u2019t planning to attend college. What do you think? Have you noticed that too?<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n#3: Stay informed<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Though you don\u2019t have to know about every topic, whenever possible it’s ideal to have something to add.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Lindsay and Aubrey recommend listening to podcasts made for native speakers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
You can also read the news to be updated on current events and new topics<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
You need to stay informed in order to contribute to conversations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\nPodcast recommendations<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Here are some podcasts Lindsay and Aubrey recommend:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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- Science Vs –<\/a><\/strong> a podcast that uses science to investigate and debunk controversial topics, fads, and trends<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Freakonomics Radio – <\/a><\/strong>a podcast that covers topics like sociology, social issues, current events, science, and the human condition<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- BBC The Inquiry –<\/a><\/strong> a podcast from BBC where they introduce expert witnesses to answer important questions on current events<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Today Explained –<\/a><\/strong> a podcast by VOX that explains certain topics and everyday occurrences in a unique way<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\nFollow the All Ears English podcast<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Though you also need to listen to podcasts for native speakers, you can learn a lot right here on All Ears English.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Be sure to follow the All Ears English podcast to learn about current topics and gain tips on your English language journey.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Check out the recent episode AEE 2307: How to Connect in English as an Introvert<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\nTakeaway<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
You don\u2019t have to know about every topic.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Today\u2019s tips will help you participate in every conversation even if you don\u2019t know much about the topic.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It\u2019s always good to be a part of the discussion to create meaningful conversations<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It also is good to learn from others about unfamiliar topics and get another point of view on current events.<\/p>\n\n\n\n