Join a Conversation at Work Without Feeling Awkward
Mike and Emily show you how to join a short conversation at work. You learn how to ask for a seat, say you are new, and ask about someone's class or day. You also practise ending a conversation when someone needs to work.
01
Start here
Listen to the podcast
Watch the complete lesson on YouTube
Views, watch time, captions, and channel controls stay with the original YouTube video.
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The lesson transcript begins after the YouTube introduction.
02
Build your vocabulary
Words from the podcast
Select any word here, in the subtitles, or in the transcript for a simple English definition.
Useful phrase
You ask if you can sit or talk with someone.
“At the school picnic, I ask another parent, “Mind if I join you?””
Useful phrase
You ask if anyone is using a chair.
“On a busy train, I ask a passenger, “Is this seat free?””
Useful phrase
You say you came to a place a short time ago.
“I'm new here. Can you show me the school library?”
Useful phrase
You say you want to hear more about something.
“You collect old coins? That sounds interesting. Where do you find them?”
Useful phrase
You ask if something that happened was good or bad.
“You sang at your cousin's wedding? How did that go?”
Useful phrase
You say you will stop talking so someone can continue their work.
“You're painting the fence, Dad. I'll let you get back to it.”
Word
You do not feel relaxed and do not know what to do.
“I feel awkward at parties when I don't know anyone.”
Word
A short, friendly talk with someone.
“My neighbour stops for a chat while I water my flowers.”
03
Check your understanding
Comprehension questions
0/10 completed
Question 1
What should you wait for before joining a conversation?
Question 2
You ask, “Mind if I join you?” Someone answers, “No, please do.” What does this mean?
Question 3
When can you ask, “How did that go?” Choose two answers.
Question 4
What does Emily say about the new lunch place? Choose two answers.
Question 5
If someone lets you use a chair, they must talk to you through lunch.
Question 6
After asking several questions, you can tell the other person something about yourself.
04
Listen for the exact words
Complete the phrase
Type the missing word or phrase exactly as you hear it in the podcast.
Phrase 1
Complete the podcast phrase with one word: “Is this seat ____?”
Phrase 2
Someone has a test tomorrow. Complete the podcast phrase: “Good ____.”
05
Rebuild natural English
Build the phrase
Select each word in the order used by the speakers. Select a word in your answer to remove it.
Phrase 1
Put the words in order to ask about something that is finished.
Select the words in the correct order.
Phrase 2
Put the words in order to say why you need to leave.
Select the words in the correct order.
06
Read at a calm pace
Speak aloud
Read each phrase as it moves upward. Pause or move the timeline whenever you need more time.