You have landed in a new city for a job interview. The interview was strenuous and you wish to have a cup of coffee to refresh yourself. Looking around for a coffee shop nearby, you find there is none. You wish to ask for directions, but are not sure how to start. Strong command over any language is a pre-requisite for confidently asking directions. However, conversing in English always scores a brownie point over other languages. Asking directions in English will highlight your confidence, vocabulary and sophistication.

Guidelines for conversations

Keep it short and polite

Any conversation for directions should be kept short and polite. This approach works better as you don't want to find yourself grasping for words to speak. Politeness works at any level and situation. Open your conversation with a polite "Hi", followed by either "May I" or "Can you". Even a short "Where is the coffee shop" followed by a smile works wonders.

Approach shops and building guards

As far as possible, try to approach shops or building guards for directions for local coffee shops. You are likely to get an accurate direction. As numerous people ask them directions every day, they are quite accustomed to such questions. Asking roadside strangers is risky as there are chances for you to be misguided.

Avoid unnecessary details

You are just asking for directions and not giving a profile interview. Usually, we take help from strangers for directions. Hence, it is essential to keep the conversation to specific questions only. There is no need to tell them where you came from, your family background etc. If your prospective helper is getting too inquisitive, politely ask him/her for directions again and move on.

Active Listening

You should always be an active listener. Active listening involves listening to directions attentively and responding appropriately. In case you are not clear on the first reply, there is no harm or shame in clarifying. Most individuals will gladly help to get your directions clear. Keep in mind that politeness is the key. Once your query is answered, respond with a bright thanks.

Sample Conversation



Situation: You have just finished your business meeting with a client held in the client's location. You are in a new city and wish to take a break. You approach an office supply shop.

You: Hi, Can you tell me where the nearest hotel or a coffee shop is?

Shop owner: Of course, go straight ahead, take the second left. Head straight and take the first right. You will find a coffee shop there.

You: Ok. You mean go straight and take left?

Shop owner: No, take the second left.

You: And from there?

Shop owner: From there, go straight and take the first right.

You: Thanks a lot. How much time will it take from here?

Shop owner: Its 10 minutes walking distance from here.

You: You have been kind and very helpful, thanks again!

Shop owner: No problem.

As you can see, the above conversation is simple and to the point. Simplicity and politeness is the key for getting directions from strangers. You can practice this conversation with a friend or even in front of a mirror. Keep practicing until you are fluent and there is no hesitation in initiating a conversation.

About eAgeTutor:

eAgeTutor.com is a premier online English learning institute. eAge's world class faculty and ace communication experts, from around the globe, help you to improve in an all-round manner. Assignments and tasks based well-researched content developed by subject matter and industry experts can certainly fetch the most desired results for improving spoken English skills. In this age of effective and advance communication technology, online spoken English programs are the most effective and convenient way to learn English.

For further information on our online English speaking courses or to experience the wonders of the virtual classroom, fix a demonstration session with online English tutor.

- By Monika Agarwal

Related Topics:

• How to Talk to Strangers?

• How to Give Directions to Your Friend to Reach a Restaurant?

• Conversations while Ordering Food

• How to Ask a Waiter for his Recommendations?

• How to Get the Speed of the Words Right while Speaking?

Office parties are a great way to unwind, break the ice, and get to know your colleagues and to let your hair down as well. Office parties offer one more opportunity – to practice your English and social skills.

Office parties are the perfect place to strike a conversation with the colleagues you have always wished to speak with. The environment and mood is just perfect – neither too formal, nor too casual. This is the perfect setting to strike a casual conversation and indulge in some small talk.

However, for people who are complete novices, even a casual conversation at the party is enough to break them into a sweat. The fear of fumbling, making a mistake, mispronouncing, and many other such monsters come to haunt the mind when you are not confident about speaking in English. However, you should remind yourself of one thing always, if you do not practice spoken English, how will you ever improve and gain the confidence? Do not be afraid of making mistakes, rather take them sportingly and learn from them.

To help you out, we will give you a quick lesson to give you an idea of what a standard conversation at a party goes like. We, definitely, cannot predict what the mind of a conversation may crop up at a party, but we can definitely draw a rough sketch to prepare you beforehand so that you do not get caught unawares!

Here is an idea of a usual conversation at a party:

(Before we start, let us make some fictional characters amongst which the conversation will take place. Raj (our amateur English speaker), Suresh, and Priya should be good!)

Raj joins Suresh and Priya

Raj: Hey Suresh, how are you?

Suresh: Hello Raj, meet my friend Priya. Priya, this is Raj, he works in my department.

Priya: Hi, Raj.

Raj: Hi, Priya. So, which department are you in?

Priya: I am in accounts.

Suresh: Hey, let us get some finger food to eat, while we chat up.

Priya: Why, that is a good idea!

Raj: yes, let us go.

As you must have deduced by now, since this is a party, casual words like 'hey', 'chat up', etc. are acceptable. These words give your sentences a fun feel and are apt, given the situation. Now our scene is proceeding towards food. Remember, food is always a safe topic of conversation. Unlike other topics, where people can get judgmental or hurt, food is, by far, a safe topic and it is pertinent that you exploit this opportunity to its maximum.

At the buffet table:

Suresh: Priya, try these paneer fritters. They are amazing.

Priya: Sure.

Raj: I would like to has some, as well.

Suresh: Not has, Raj. You should say 'have'.

Raj: What?

Suresh: You should say, 'I would like to have some, as well.'

Raj: Oh. Thank you for correcting me.

Suresh (to Priya): Raj has been trying to improve his English speaking skills and he practices often. I must say, he has improved a lot.

Priya: Oh! That is terrific, Raj. All the best.

So, this is how you should always welcome help and correction. This is the only way you can improve spoken English. Joining an online English speaking class like eAgeTutor is also a good idea as it will help you understand the rules and nuances of English, thereby improving your spoken English.