How to be Confident and Natural in English Conversation - Taking Turns

怎样在英语会话里自信和自然 — 轮流交谈

Hi, I’m Liam.

嗨，我是Liam。

Welcome to Oxford Online English!

欢迎来到Oxford Online English！

In this lesson, you can learn how to take an active part in a conversation.

在本节课里，您能学到在会话里 怎样积极参与。

Imagine: you’re in a group of people, having a conversation in English.

想像一下：您在一个群体里， 有一个英语会话。

You have something to say, but other people are talking.

您有某些事情要说，但是， 其他人正在谈。

How do you ‘enter’ the conversation?

您要怎样“enter”会话？

Imagine: you’re talking, and someone interrupts you before you’ve finished speaking.

想像一下：您正在谈话，在您讲完 之前某人打断您。

Why might this happen?

为什么这个可能发生？

How can you show others that you want to continue?

您可以怎样对其他人表明您想继续？

In this lesson, you’ll learn about an important skill: taking turns in conversation.

在本节课里，您会学到一个重要的 技能：在会话里轮流交谈。

You’ll learn how to show others that you have something to say, how to interrupt others

您会学到怎样表明给其他人您有 某些事情要说，怎样有

politely, and how to show that you’ve finished speaking – or not.

礼貌地打断其他人，以及 怎样表明您讲完了— 或没有讲完。

These skills will help you sound more natural in conversations; these skills are also important

这些技能能够帮助您在会话里听起来 更自然；这些技能在英语

for English exams, such as IELTS.

考试里也是重要的，例如雅思。

Before we start, we really think you should check out our website: Oxford Online English

在我们开始之前，我们真的认为您 应当查看我们的网站：

dot com.

Oxford Online English dot com.

You can find free English lessons, and you can also take online classes with one of our

您能找到免费的英语课程，您也能 参加我们很多专业

many professional teachers!

老师中一位的在线课程！

Now, let’s look at how you can take your turn in a conversation in English.

现在，我们看看您怎样能在 英语会话里轮流交谈。

We’re talking about ‘taking turns’.

我们在谈论“taking turns”。

But, what does this mean?

但是，这意味着什么？

If you’re playing a game, often you need to take turns.

如果您在玩一个游戏， 通常您需要轮流玩。

One person goes, then the next person goes.

一个人上，然后下一个人上。

It’s the same in conversation.

那在会话里是一样的。

One person speaks, then the next person speaks.

一个人讲，然后下一个人讲。

But, games have rules.

但是，游戏有规则。

What about conversations?

那会话呢？

Conversations don’t have rules like games do, but there are several strategies you can

会话没有像游戏那样的规则，但是， 有几种您可以使用来

use to manage turn taking.

管理轮流的策略。

Let’s see an example.

我们看一个例子。

Our holiday was a complete disaster.

Our holiday was a complete disaster.

It rained for the entire time we were there.

It rained for the entire time we were there.

The kids couldn’t go swimming because the hotel had closed the pool because of the rain.

The kids couldn’t go swimming because the hotel had closed the pool because of the rain.

They had nothing to do except annoy us for the whole week.

They had nothing to do except annoy us for the whole week.

The hotel should have done more to keep the children entertained.

The hotel should have done more to keep the children entertained.

I’m just frustrated.

I’m just frustrated.

We saved up all year for that holiday and I feel like we haven’t had a holiday at

We saved up all year for that holiday and I feel like we haven’t had a holiday at

all.

all.

And the flights?

And the flights?

Nightmare!

Nightmare!

I’ve never experienced anything like it.

I’ve never experienced anything like it.

If you ask me, the airlines should…

If you ask me, the airlines should…

Have you been in that kind of situation?

您曾经有在那种情形下吗？

Someone is talking, but you can’t ‘break in’ to the conversation.

某人在谈论，但是，您不能“break in”会话。

If this happens, what can you do?

如果这个发生了，您可以做什么？

Speakers in English send signals with words, sounds and their bodies when they want to

说英语的人在他们想在一个 会话里插话时，用单词、声音和

take their turn in a conversation.

他们的身体发送信号。

Native speakers do this without even thinking.

母语人士甚至不假思索做这个。

For non-native speakers, it’s more difficult.

对于非母语人士，那是更难。

Let’s listen to another conversation.

我们听听另一个会话。

As you listen, think about these questions.

如同您听到的，考虑这些问题。

What signals do the listeners give with their bodies?

听者用他们的身体 给出什么信号？

What sounds do the listeners make?

听者发出什么声音？

What do the listeners say as they take their turns?

听者在他们插话时说什么？

Got it?

理解了吗？

Listen and watch.

听和看。

So, our holiday in Spain was a complete disaster… …it rained the entire time we were there.

So, our holiday in Spain was a complete disaster… …it rained the entire time we were there.

Yeah, it was raining here too!

Yeah, it was raining here too!

Non-stop!

Non-stop!

But, the kids couldn’t go swimming because the hotel had closed the pool because of the

But, the kids couldn’t go swimming because the hotel had closed the pool because of the

rain and they had nothing to do …except annoy us for the whole week.

rain and they had nothing to do …except annoy us for the whole week.

Well, that must have been difficult, but it’s not the hotel’s fault it was raining what

Well, that must have been difficult, but it’s not the hotel’s fault it was raining what

are they supposed to do?

are they supposed to do?

Yeah…Well…

Yeah…Well…

I’m just frustrated!

I’m just frustrated!

The hotel should have done more to keep the children entertained…

The hotel should have done more to keep the children entertained…

…we saved up all year for that holiday and I feel like we haven’t had a holiday at

…we saved up all year for that holiday and I feel like we haven’t had a holiday at

all.

all.

It's bad luck for sure,

It's bad luck for sure,

but it's no one's fault.

but it's no one's fault.

Yeah…but…I’m going back to work tomorrow and I feel the opposite of rested!

Yeah…but…I’m going back to work tomorrow and I feel the opposite of rested!

Maybe next year we’ll go to Egypt.

Maybe next year we’ll go to Egypt.

It doesn’t rain much there does it?

It doesn’t rain much there does it?

Bring a raincoat just in case!

Bring a raincoat just in case!

Did you notice how we were able to take turns?

您有留意到我们是怎样能插话的吗？

If you want, you can rewind and watch it again.

如果您愿意，您可以倒带并再看一遍。

First, let’s think about physical signals.

首先，我们考虑一下身体信号。

To show that you have something to say, you can nod your head while listening.

为了表明您有话要说，您 可以边听边点您的头。

You can raise a hand.

您可以提起您的手。

You can open your mouth slightly to show that you’re ready to start talking.

您可以稍微打开嘴巴来表明 您准备开始谈了。

You can straighten your posture and make eye contact with the other person.

您可以摆直您的姿势，与 另一个人作眼神交流。

Of course, you should make eye contact regularly anyway, but making eye contact can show that

当然，无论如何，您应当不时进行眼神 交流，但是眼神交流可以表明

you’re ready to talk.

您已经准备讲了。

You can also use a combination of these body signals.

您也可以用这些身体信号的组合。

Secondly, let’s think about vocal signals.

其次，我们考虑下声音信号。

As you’re listening to the other person, you should listen actively.

当您在听其他人讲时， 您应当积极地听。

That means you might make noises, like ‘mmm-hmm’ or ‘uh-huh’.

那意思是您也许制造噪音，像是 “mmm-hmm”或“uh-huh”。

When you want to take a turn, you can use these noises with more emphasis.

当您想插话时，您可以搭配 更多强调使用这些噪音。

This shows you are getting ready to speak.

这表明您准备好去讲了。

Thirdly, you can use words like ‘well’ or ‘so’ when you start speaking.

再次，在您开始说时，您可以使用 单词像是“well”或“so”。

This lets you enter the conversation smoothly.

这让您顺畅地插入到会话里。

You also heard ‘for sure’ and ‘but’ in the dialogue.

您也在对话里听到了 “for sure”和“but”。

Using words like this sends a clear signal to the people you’re talking to; it says

使用像这样的单词给正与您交谈 的人发出了一个清晰的信号；

“I’m about to start speaking now.”

它是说“I’m about to start speaking now.”

So, what should you take away from this?

所以，您应该从中得到什么？

Waiting until there is a pause can be too late for taking a turn.

等待直到有一个暂停对插话 来说可能是太晚了。

Or, like in the first example, there might not be pauses!

或者，像在第一个例子里， 也许没有暂停！

You need to show other speakers that you have something to say and that you’re going to

您要明向其他讲话的人表 您有话要说，

start talking.

您想开始谈。

You can do this with physical or verbal signals, or a combination.

您可以用身体信号或声音 信号或一个组合来做这个。

Use words like ‘so’ or ‘well’ to enter the conversation and start your turn.

使用单词像是“so”或“well”来插到 会话里，开始轮到您说话。

If you can learn to automatically use these signals and phrases in your conversation,

如果您可以学会怎样在会话里自动 使用这些信号和短语，

you will sound more confident and natural.

您会听起来更自信或自然。

Do people sometimes interrupt you before you’ve finished speaking?

人们有时在您结束 讲话之前打断您吗？

When we work with English learners, it’s sometimes difficult to tell if someone has

当我们与英语学习者一起工作时， 有时很难判定某人

finished speaking or not.

是否已经说完。

Sometimes in classes, I interrupt someone by accident, because I didn’t realise they

有时在课堂上，我不小心打断了某人， 因为我没有意识到他们

had more to say.

有更多要讲的。

So, you need to *hold your turn.* This means you send signals to the people you’re talking

所以，您需要*继续您的讲话*。 这 意思是您发送一个信号给

to that show you haven’t finished talking, and they shouldn’t interrupt you.

正在听您讲的某人，表明您没有 讲完，他们不能打断您。

Let’s see how this works.

我们看看这怎么做。

So, should we book everything for our trip?

So, should we book everything for our trip?

Sure.

Sure.

We need to book flights, trains, hotels…

We need to book flights, trains, hotels…

Yeah…

Yeah…

Actually, I had a couple of thoughts about that.

Actually, I had a couple of thoughts about that.

First of all, I’d like to spend more time on the islands.

First of all, I’d like to spend more time on the islands.

It’s a holiday, you know?

It’s a holiday, you know?

I don’t want to spend half the time in airports or on the bus.

I don’t want to spend half the time in airports or on the bus.

So I think maybe we should visit fewer places, but spend more time in each.

So I think maybe we should visit fewer places, but spend more time in each.

Also, I reckon we should just fly straight from Bangkok to the south, rather than taking

Also, I reckon we should just fly straight from Bangkok to the south, rather than taking

the train.

the train.

I know it’s a bit more expensive, but we’ll save so much time.

I know it’s a bit more expensive, but we’ll save so much time.

Well…

Well…

OK, but can I make a few suggestions?

OK, but can I make a few suggestions?

I know flying direct from Bangkok is faster, but if we take the train, we can stop at a

I know flying direct from Bangkok is faster, but if we take the train, we can stop at a

couple of places on the way.

couple of places on the way.

There are some towns where we could spend a day, and I think it’d be interesting.

There are some towns where we could spend a day, and I think it’d be interesting.

I’ve already done some research so I can show you where I have in mind.

I’ve already done some research so I can show you where I have in mind.

And one more thing: I know you said you’d like to focus on the islands, but I’d really

And one more thing: I know you said you’d like to focus on the islands, but I’d really

like to visit Chiang Mai.

like to visit Chiang Mai.

It looks really interesting.

It looks really interesting.

Hmm…

Hmm…

I don’t know...

I don’t know...

I just feel like it’s going to be too much for ten days.

I just feel like it’s going to be too much for ten days.

Alright, but can I ask you a favour?

Alright, but can I ask you a favour?

At least read a bit about things you can do in Chiang Mai.

At least read a bit about things you can do in Chiang Mai.

I think it’ll be worth the trip, and there’s stuff there that you’d be interested in.

I think it’ll be worth the trip, and there’s stuff there that you’d be interested in.

Just think about it.

Just think about it.

That’s all I’m asking.

That’s all I’m asking.

OK, sure, I’ll do that.

OK, sure, I’ll do that.

First, if you have more than one thing to say, you can make this clear at the beginning

首先，如果您有超过一件事要说， 您可以在轮到您说时的

of your turn.

一开始就说清楚。

For example, you can say something like ‘first of all’, ‘to begin with…’ or ‘I

例如，您可以说某些像是“first of all”、“to begin with…”或“I

have a couple of thoughts about that…’

have a couple of thoughts about that…”

This makes it clear from the start that you will take a longer turn.

这从开始就说清楚了您 会讲很长。

Next, in the middle of the conversation, you can separate your points with phrases like

接下来，在会话中间，您可以用 像是“secondly”、“also…”或

‘secondly’, ‘also…’ or ‘and another thing…’

“and anotherthing…”等短语 分开您的观点。

These make it clear that you have more to say.

这些讲清了您有更多要说的。

Finally, you can ask rhetorical questions.

最后，您可以问修辞性问题。

Rhetorical questions are questions which don’t need an answer.

修辞性问题是不需要回答的。

Perhaps that sounds strange, but it’s common in natural conversation.

可能听起来奇怪，但是在 自然对话里是常见的。

For example, you ask ‘can I ask you a favour? or ‘can I make a few suggestions?’

例如，您问“can I ask you a favour?” 或“can I make a few suggestions?”

You don’t ask these questions because you want an answer.

您没有问这些问题， 因为您想要一个答案。

You won’t wait for the other person to say ‘yes’.

您不想等其他人说“yes”。

Instead, you use these questions to set up what you want to say next.

取代的是，您使用这些问题来 设定您接下来想说的。

Again, this makes it easier to hold your turn, because the other person knows what’s coming.

同样，这样更容易保持您的说话权， 因为其他人知道接下来会发生什么。

Now you already know a lot about turn taking in spoken English.

现在，您已经知道很多跟用英语 会话时轮流讲有关的事情。

Let’s see one more important point.

我们来再看一个重点。

Remember before: we told you that sometimes in our classes, we don’t know when people

回忆之前的：我们告诉您，有时在 我们的课堂上，我们不知道

have finished speaking?

人们什么时候会讲完？

There are two sides to this.

这件事有两面。

You need to show when you haven’t finished, but you also need to make it clear when you

当您还没有讲完时，您要表明， 但是，当您讲*完*了，

*have* finished, and that other people should speak.

您也需要讲清楚，然后 其他人会接着讲。

If you can’t do this, conversations can have awkward silences…

如果您不能这样做， 会话会有尴尬的安静，

…and lose their flow.

…并失去了顺畅。

Let’s listen to another conversation.

我们来听另一段会话。

Try to see how the speakers show that they’ve finished their turn.

试着看看讲述者怎样表明 他们讲完要讲的了。

Also, there’s an awkward silence in the dialogue.

同样，在对话里有 一个尴尬的安静。

Here’s a question: can you tell why it happens?

这里有一个问题：您能说下它为什么发生吗？

Watch and listen.

看看并听一下。

I just realised the other day I haven’t had a proper holiday for years.

I just realised the other day I haven’t had a proper holiday for years.

I’m looking to go somewhere for a beach break this summer.

I’m looking to go somewhere for a beach break this summer.

Didn’t *you* go on a beach holiday last year?

Didn’t *you* go on a beach holiday last year?

Yeah, I did…

Yeah, I did…

Bali.

Bali.

It was a lovely trip and that part of the world is so picturesque.

It was a lovely trip and that part of the world is so picturesque.

It also has great nightlife . When I was there, I partied all night and

It also has great nightlife . When I was there, I partied all night and

in the morning I went to the beach Ah, so, the beaches.

in the morning I went to the beach Ah, so, the beaches.

I’ve heard good things!

I’ve heard good things!

I’d really like some recommendations…

I’d really like some recommendations…

Do you have any tips?

Do you have any tips?

For sure… some of the more remote beaches are beautiful, with hardly any tourists.

For sure… some of the more remote beaches are beautiful, with hardly any tourists.

They’re harder to get to, but definitely worth the trip.

They’re harder to get to, but definitely worth the trip.

Do you remember the name?

Do you remember the name?

Not off the top of my head, but I can look some stuff up later and I’ll send you a

Not off the top of my head, but I can look some stuff up later and I’ll send you a

message.

message.

Well, that sounds perfect to me!

Well, that sounds perfect to me!

Are all the beaches like that?

Are all the beaches like that?

Not so much… the main beaches are packed with tourists, so I’d stay away from them

Not so much… the main beaches are packed with tourists, so I’d stay away from them

if I were you.

if I were you.

They’re packed with people drinking, being loud, tons of souvenir sellers hassling you.

They’re packed with people drinking, being loud, tons of souvenir sellers hassling you.

But, it’s not hard to avoid them if you’re willing to travel a little further.

But, it’s not hard to avoid them if you’re willing to travel a little further.

Alright, thanks for the advice.

Alright, thanks for the advice.

Did you notice the awkward silence?

您注意到尴尬的安静了吗？

It was right after Liam said “I went to the beach”.

那就在Liam说“I went to the beach”之后。

Why was there an awkward silence there?

为什么那里会有一个尴尬的安静？

It’s connected to the intonation.

它与语调有关的。

Intonation is important for turn taking, especially when you want to show whether you’ve finished

语调对于轮流交谈很重要，特别是当 您想表明您讲完了

speaking or not.

或没讲完。

Did you notice how I said - I went to the beach?

您注意到我怎样说 - I went to the beach？

I finished the sentence with a rising tone.

我用上升的语气结束了交谈。

Rising intonation normally signals that you’ll continue speaking, and this leads to the awkward

上升语调正常来说是表明您会 继续讲，这会导致您听到的

silence you heard.

尴尬的安静。

The listener expected more.

听者期望听到更多的东西。

What if you want to show that you’re finishing your turn, and the other person should speak?

如果您想表明您正在结束您的 交谈，其他的人应该讲了呢？

What can you do?

您可以做什么？

One way is to use clear, falling intonation as you finish.

一种方式是在您结束时使用 清晰、下降的语调。

Listen to the same sentence twice.

听同样的句子两次。

I went to the beach.

I went to the beach.

I went to the beach.

I went to the beach.

Which one sounded like I had finished talking?

哪一个会听起来像是我讲完要讲的。

The second time I used a falling tone, showing that my idea is finished.

我在第二次使用了一个降调， 表明我要讲的讲完了。

Also, you might start to slow down slightly as you finish your idea.

同样，当您结束您讲的时候，您也许要 开始稍微讲慢一点。

Slowing down slightly can send a signal that your turn is finishing, and the other person

稍微讲慢一点可以发出一个您要 讲的讲完了，其他人应该讲了

should speak.

的讯号。

Another simple way to end your turn is to ask a question which needs a response from

另一种结束您讲话的简单方式是 问一个另一个人

the other person.

需要回答的问题。

Finally, using hand gestures, like holding up your hand, palm facing up, can give a physical

最后，使用手势，像是举起您 的手，掌心向上，能给出一个

signal meaning “it’s your turn to talk now.”

意思是“it’s your turn to talk now.”的身体讯号。

Sound simple?

听起来简单吗？

Maybe, but we often see problems with this.

也许，但是我们经常看到这样有问题。

Also, you might be in a situation, like a phone call, where you *can’t* use physical

同样，也许您在这样一个情形之下，像是 一个电话交谈，在那个情形下，

signals.

您 *不能* 使用身体讯号。

In this case, you need to have control of intonation and speed to show where your turn

在这个事例里，您需要控制好语调 和语速，以便表明

ends.

您讲完了。

Also, if you’re in a speaking exam, like an IELTS speaking test, it’s not a normal

同样，如果您在一个口语考试里，像是 一个雅思口语考试，那不是

dialogue.

一个正常的对话。

In this case, you need to use pronunciation features – mostly intonation – to show

在这个事例里，您需要使用发音特征 – 主要是语调 – 来表明

that your answer has finished.

您讲完了。

Thanks for watching!

感谢观看！

See you next time!

下次见！