Grocery shopping tends to be a lonely affair in itself. However, what could get it even worse is when you're in another country altogether. You scout through labels, brands and products but yet feel lost. The best way of getting yourself out of this situation would be asking for help and the best way to do that is to speak in basic English. You need to work towards developing your English communication skills beforehand itself, as it is a universal language and very useful when you stay in foreign countries.

Here is an article in simple English that should clear all your inhibitions about taking up a light conversation with a stranger to ask for help in buying your ration.

Situation:

Your company has sent you to North Carolina, U.S., for a two-year project. You're in the new country and it's your first grocery shopping experience. Things take a toll for the worse as you seem to be a little lost and don't really understand the products and brands.

Sample Conversation in a Grocery Store:

You: Hey! Could you please help me out a bit? Actually, all this is a little new for me.

Tim: Sure, Sure. What can I help you out with?

You: I have a brief list at hand, but the brands are all unknown to me. I wanted to pick a pack of string cheese and wanted to know which brand is the best?

Tim: Well, I reckon you opt for Kraft dairy products. That's what I've seemed to learn from my wife.

You: Ha-ha! Wives and their specifications. By the way, I'm Raj from India.

Tim: I'm Tim. I have to mention this that I love India; have visited that country twice for work purpose. I must mention I'm mesmerized by the culture and the warm people.

You: Yes, I'm glad you had a great time in my country. I'm here on a work project as well.

Tim: Great! Nice to know. By the way, aren't we forgetting something your wife sent you here for?

You: Yes. Yes. My list.

Tim: Yeah. What else are you looking for? Just string cheese?

You: No no! I completely forgot the purpose of walking in here. My wife would have booted me out of the house if I would go back home empty handed. Ha-ha! So, the list reads spaghetti. Where would I find spaghetti please?

Tim: Walk down this aisle and on the extreme right you will notice a rack full of it. Pull out a pack, lucky for you... this grocery sells only one brand, which is the best.

You: Oh! Thank God. Just help me out with two more things if you don't mind, after which I'm good to go.

Tim: Sure. I'm happy to help!

You: Thanks. I wanted some vegetables and fruits. Where would I find them?

Tim: That's right near the billing counter. Come let me guide you there. Anyway I'm done with the shopping; you could pick and choose while I clear my bill.

You: Perfect. I'm so glad to have met you Tim or I would be running in circles around this huge store looking for stuff.

Tim: You're welcome Raj! And now that we're done buying grocery for our wives, do you mind grabbing a quick beer?

You: Yes yes! Would love to...

As you can notice in the conversation above, your interaction should be light and friendly rather than selfish and needy. Make sure to be comfortable while speaking in English as your comfort while talking in the English language will ignite a friendly touch making both the parties comfortable. Kiss adieu to all your embarrassments and embrace fluent English by practicing more, reading more and acquiring more.

About eAgeTutor:

eAgeTutor.com is the premier online English learning provider. 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 on a 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 our tutor.

- By Monika Agarwal

Related Topics:

1. Tips to make a first good impression on foreign coworkers.
2. How to fill up an immigration form?
3. How to place an order in a fast food restaurant?
4. How to navigate and buy essentials in a supermarket in a foreign country?
5. Why English is Considered an International Language?

You are discussing your school life with your relatives when your aunt, who is also a teacher, happens to ask you about your favorite teacher. With fluent English speaking skills, you can describe your favorite teacher in detail. Your loved ones will be amazed with your strong command over spoken English. While describing the adorable traits of your teacher, here are a few things to keep in mind.

Things to remember:

1. Keep it brief

There may be many traits that make your teacher stand apart from others. However, your listeners are not in for a discourse, they just want to hear why you like that particular teacher. So just focus on what is that unique thing which no other professor gives you. It may be that she considers you as a favorite or she is very helpful in your weak subjects.

2. Provide examples

Your description will be more effective if you can provide instances where she has helped you a lot, which has made a difference in your studies. Recollect incidences where her assistance was invaluable to you. It will give credence to your claim of why that particular teacher is your true favorite.

Sample Conversation:

Situation: Your aunt visits you and while conversing about your studies asks who your favorite teacher is.

Aunt: So Rajat, How are your studies going on?

You: It's going great, Aunty?

Aunt: Tell me, who is your favourite  teacher?

You: Ms. Aruna Jaiswal is my favourite teacher. She is our Science professor.

Aunt: Why is she your favourite?

You: She is helpful, caring and is always ready with a listening ear to our problems.

And: But isn't all your teachers like that?

You: Yes, they are. But she is different from others.

Aunt: In what sense? Why is she unique?

You: She is a great problem solver. Any doubts will be instantly clarified no matter what the situation is. She never scolds for asking even a silly question nor gives any excuses. For her, all students are the same no matter how studious or weak.

Aunt: That is very nice. Can you provide any instances?

You: Sure. Once, I had my exams and there was this doubt which was nagging me. It was a very important concept and the exams were next day. I was very nervous about approaching her just before the exams, but she did not shout at me. Instead, she gladly helped me out.

Aunt: That is a very nice thing to do. No wonder she is your favorite teacher.

The above sample shows how you can go about describing your favourite teacher to others. Short description highlighting the traits is enough to get the message across. Utilize your effective English speaking skills to give your favourite teacher's description full justice. You can improve your conversational skills by practicing with the help of an online English tutor and also with a friend. Daily practice is very important for maintaining your strong command over the English language. Dazzle your loved ones with your captivating English speaking skills.

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 on a 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 our tutor.

- By Monika Agarwal

Related Topics:

1. How to participate in a Group Discussion?
2. 5 Negotiation tips and tricks.
3. How to motivate a disinterested customer to buy?
4. 10 Mistakes to avoid as a retail sales representative.
5. How to make a sales pitch?

You are the customer relations executive at Grand Sheraton and a guest comes in with his young son and elderly parents. Kids are cute and adorable but they do create a lot of commotion. On the other hand, when you have elderly guests, there are certain special requirements that you need to fulfill. With your fluent English speaking skills, you can manage and service the customers such that they do not face any inconvenience. Keep the below things in mind before proceeding.

Things to keep in mind

1. Keep other customers in mind

There is a chance that other guests may be inconvenienced with the antics of the kids and special assistance needed to look after elderly persons. While catering to their requirements, you need to ensure that other guests are not inconvenienced unnecessarily. While most of them may be reasonable, there might by members who are short-tempered.

2. Treat them as their own

Guests tend to patronize those hotels that take good care of their loved ones. Make the guest feel that their family presence is valued in the hotel. Make use of every facility available to ensure that the guests, kids and elderly persons have a good time in your hotel. Convey to them in fluent English that your hotel has every amenity available to make them comfortable and relish their stay.

Sample Conversation:

Situation: A guest walks in with his son, who is a toddler, and his elderly father.

You: Welcome to the ABC hotel Sir.

Guest: Hi, is my reserved room ready?

You: Yes Sir. That's a cute kid you have there.

Guest: Thanks. But he really is a devil. I was wondering, as you can see, my father is quite old and needs special care and assistance. Is your hotel having any senior facilities?

You: Definitely Sir. For special cases like yours, we have specialized attendants who are trained to deal with senior individuals. We even have an in-house expert doctor for any medical emergencies. Rest assured, your father would enjoy his stay here.

Guest: That's great! Do you have any special playing areas for young kids? How safe is your hotel for kids his age?

You: Of course Sir. We do have special areas where kids of his age can play. The hotel lockers are child proof and we have cartoon channels for him to enjoy. He can even make new friends in the playing area.

Guest: That's wonderful. I am really glad that I selected this hotel. Can I have my keys?

You: Our pleasure Sir. Here they are!

The above sample conversation will help on how to deal with guests who have small kids and require special assistance. By conversing with them in fluent English, you can convey to them the professionalism and customer friendliness of your hotel. However, maintaining proper language standards is essential as guests from different countries can visit your hotel. Strive for complete English perfection with the help of an online English tutor. You can also practice such conversations with your friend for increased confidence.

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 english in an all-round manner. Assignments and tasks based on a 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 our online english tutor.

- By Monika Agarwal

Related Topics:

1. How to participate in a Group Discussion?
2. 5 Negotiation tips and tricks.
3. How to motivate a disinterested customer to buy?
4. 10 Mistakes to avoid as a retail sales representative.
5. How to make a sales pitch?

You are the manager of an electronics manufacturing major and you need to conduct a sales review meeting. You are looking for ways to conduct the meeting smoothly, accurately and in optimal time. Even after pondering for hours, you are unsure on how to proceed. Meetings conducted in professional English tend to be more productive. So read on to find 10 tips for an effective meeting in fluent English.

Top 10 Tips for an effective meeting 

1. Identify needs

The primary reason for a meeting failure is often they are conducted for unnecessary reasons. Hence, it is very important to identify whether the meeting is really required. You can ask yourself or the colleagues these questions.

Example:

"Do you guys think we should conduct a meeting to organize our sales structure?"

2. Identify Objectives

Every meeting conducted should have an objective. The objective will help you to identify team goals. If you want to conduct a sales review meeting, then the objective would be to maximize the sales revenue. The objective can be easily identified through mutual discussion amongst your colleagues.

Example:

"What will we achieve by this team meeting?"

"What is the purpose of conducting this team meeting?"

3. Stay on topic

Many a times, people tend to go off track in meetings, which leads to a total waste of time. Hence, it is very important to stay on track in a meeting. Redirect the conversation if you feel the talk is missing the point. Use the following dialogues:

Example:

"I think the discussion is going off track. Let's come back on the topic."

"Please focus on the main points."

4. Include everyone

In a meeting, everyone should contribute their views and points. Sometimes, you need to encourage people to speak their minds. When everyone contributes, it leads to a well-rounded discussion that could be very meaningful. You can say:

Example:

"Ramesh, what are your thoughts on this?"

5. Make it humorous

A serious discussion is very boring. By bringing in humor, the situation lights up and people relax. This does not mean that you have to turn it into a comedy central show, but a few light moments won't hurt.

6. Plan ahead

A meeting is a good opportunity to plan the next steps. In case of a sales review meeting, you can always decide what steps or campaigns need to be undertaken to ensure the sales flow remain stable. Meetings help you to identify the future path to success.

Example:

"What are the steps we should take to ensure more stores accept our product?"

7. Take notes

In any meeting, taking notes is very important. No matter how sharp your memory is, important details are bound to skip during hours-long meetings. Notes help you keep track of things and important points.

8. Review

Meetings often need to be reviewed. The action items decided in the previous meeting should be analyzed and reviewed at the next meeting. This helps in a flow of ideas and steps.

9. Improve

Always think about how your meetings can be improved. You can always experiment and bring in new features in your meetings.

10. Infrastructure

Before conducting a meeting, ensure that the IT systems and software are running properly to avoid any technical glitches and delays.

For effective team meetings, improve your spoken English with the help of an online English guide. Be an able meeting facilitator.

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 on a 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 our online English tutor.

- By Monika Agarwal

Related Topics:

1. How to Greet your Boss/ People in Office?
2. How to Ask Your Boss for Help in Your Work?
3. How to Talk to Your Boss to Change Your Department?
4. How to impress the interviewer and answer effectively in an interview?
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