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

怎麼在英文交談裡自信和自然 — 輪流講

Hi, I’m Liam.

嗨，我是Liam。

Welcome to Oxford Online English!

歡迎來到Oxford Online English！

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

在本節課裡，您能學到在會話裡 怎麼積極參與。

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

想像一下：您在一個群組裡， 有一個英文會話。

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

您有某些事情要說，但是， 其他人正在談。

How do you ‘enter’ the conversation?

您要怎麼“enter”會話？

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

想像一下：您正在談話，在您講完 之前某人打斷您。

Why might this happen?

為什麼這個可能發生？

How can you show others that you want to continue?

您可以怎麼對其他人表明您想繼續？

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

在本節課裡，您會學到一個重要的 技能：在會話裡輪流交談。

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

您會學到怎麼向其他人表明您有 某些事情要說，怎麼有

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

禮貌地打斷其他人，以及 怎麼表明您講完了— 或沒有講完。

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

這些技能可以幫您在會話裡聽起來 更自然；這些技能在英文

for English exams, such as IELTS.

考試裡也是重要的，例如雅思。

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

在我們開始之前，我們真的認為您 應當查看我們的網站：

dot com.

Oxford Online English dot com.

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

您能找到免費的英文課程，您也能 參加我們眾多專業

many professional teachers!

老師裡一位的線上課程！

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

現在，我們看看您怎麼能在 英文會話裡輪流交談。

We’re talking about ‘taking turns’.

我們在談論“taking turns”。

But, what does this mean?

但是，這意味著什麼？

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

如果您在玩一個遊戲， 通常您需要輪流玩。

One person goes, then the next person goes.

一個人上，然後下一個人上。

It’s the same in conversation.

那在會話裡是一樣的。

One person speaks, then the next person speaks.

一個人講，然後下一個人講。

But, games have rules.

但是，遊戲有規則。

What about conversations?

那會話呢？

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

會話裡沒有像遊戲那樣的規則，但是， 有幾種您可以使用來

use to manage turn taking.

管理輪流的策略。

Let’s see an example.

我們看一個例子。

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?

您曾經有在那種情形下嗎？

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

某人在談論，但是，您不能“break in”會話。

If this happens, what can you do?

如果這個發生了，您可以做什麼？

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

說英文的人在他們想在一個 會話裡插話時，用單字、聲音和

take their turn in a conversation.

他們的肢體語言發送訊號。

Native speakers do this without even thinking.

母語人士甚至不假思索做這個。

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

對於非母語人士，那是更難。

Let’s listen to another conversation.

我們聽聽另一個會話。

As you listen, think about these questions.

如同您聽到的，考慮這些問題。

What signals do the listeners give with their bodies?

聽者用他們的身體 給出什麼訊號？

What sounds do the listeners make?

聽者發出什麼聲音？

What do the listeners say as they take their turns?

聽者在他們插話時說什麼？

Got it?

理解了嗎？

Listen and watch.

聽和看。

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?

您有留意到我們是怎麼插話的嗎？

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

如果您願意，您可以回放並再看一遍。

First, let’s think about physical signals.

首先，我們考慮一下肢體語言訊號。

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

為了表明您有話要說，您 可以邊聽邊點您的頭。

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.

您可以稍微打開嘴巴來表明 您準備開始談了。

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

您可以擺直您的姿勢，與 另一個人做眼神交流。

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

當然，無論如何，您應當不時進行眼神 交流，但是眼神交流可以表明

you’re ready to talk.

您已經準備講了。

You can also use a combination of these body signals.

您也可以用這些肢體語言訊號的組合。

Secondly, let’s think about vocal signals.

其次，我們考慮下聲音訊號。

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

當您在聽其他人講時， 您應當積極地聽。

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

那意思是您也可以製造噪音，像是 “mmm-hmm”或“uh-huh”。

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

當您想插話時，您可以搭配 更多強調來用這些噪音。

This shows you are getting ready to speak.

這表明您準備好去講了。

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

再次，在您開始說時，您可以使用 單字像是“well”或“so”。

This lets you enter the conversation smoothly.

這樣您會順暢地插話。

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

您也在對話裡聽到了 “for sure”和“but”。

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

使用像這樣的單字給正與您交談 的人發出了一個清晰的訊號；

“I’m about to start speaking now.”

它是說“I’m about to start speaking now.”

So, what should you take away from this?

所以，您應該從中得到什麼？

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

等待直到有一個暫停對插話 來說可能是太晚了。

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

或者，像在第一個例子裡， 也許沒有暫停！

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

您要向其他講話的人表明 您有話要說，

start talking.

您想開始談。

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

您可以用肢體語言或聲音 訊號或一個組合來做這個。

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

使用單字像是“so”或“well”在會話裡 插話，開始輪到您說話。

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

如果您可以學會怎樣在會話裡自動 使用這些訊號和片語，

you will sound more confident and natural.

您會聽起來更自信或自然。

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

人們有時在您結束 講話之前打斷您嗎？

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

當我們與英文學生一起工作時， 有時很難判定某人

finished speaking or not.

是否已經說完。

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

有時在課堂上，我不小心打斷了某人， 因為我沒有意識到他們

had more to say.

有更多要講的。

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

所以，您需要*繼續您的講話*。這 意思是您發送一個訊號給

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

正在聽您講話的某人，表明您沒有 講完，他們不能打斷您。

Let’s see how this works.

我們看看這怎麼做。

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，如果您有超過一件事要講， 您可以在輪到您說時的

of your turn.

一開始就說清楚。

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

例如，您可以說某些像是“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.

這從一開始就說清楚了您 會講很久。

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

接下來，在會話中間，您可以用 像是“secondly”、“also…”或

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

“and anotherthing…”等片語 分開您的觀點。

These make it clear that you have more to say.

這些講清了您有更多要說的。

Finally, you can ask rhetorical questions.

最後，您可以問修辭性問題。

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

修辭性問題是不需要回答的。

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

可能聽起來奇怪，但是在 自然對話裡是常見的。

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

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

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

您沒有問這些問題， 因為您想要一個答案。

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

您不想等其他人說“yes”。

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

取代的是，您使用這些問題來 設定您接下來想說的。

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

同樣，這樣更容易保持您的話語權， 因為其他人知道接下來會發生什麼。

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

現在，您已經知道很多跟用英文 會話時輪流講有關的事情。

Let’s see one more important point.

我們來再看一個重點。

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

回憶之前的：我們告訴您，有時在 我們的課堂上，我們不知道

have finished speaking?

人們什麼時候會講完？

There are two sides to this.

這件事有兩面。

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

當您還沒有講完時，您要表明， 但是，當您講*完*了，

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

您也需要講清楚，然後 其他人會接著講。

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

如果您不能這樣做， 會話會有尷尬的安靜，

…and lose their flow.

…並失去了順暢。

Let’s listen to another conversation.

我們來聽另一段會話。

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

試著看看講述者怎麼表明 他們講完要講的了。

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

同樣，在對話裡有 一個尷尬的安靜。

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

這裡有一個問題：您能說下它為什麼發生嗎？

Watch and listen.

看看並聽一下。

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?

您注意到尷尬的安靜了嗎？

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

那就在Liam說“I went to the beach”之後。

Why was there an awkward silence there?

為什麼那裡會有一個尷尬的安靜？

It’s connected to the intonation.

它與語調有關。

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

語調對於輪流交談很重要，特別是當 您想表明您講完了

speaking or not.

或沒講完時。

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

您注意到我怎麼說 - I went to the beach？

I finished the sentence with a rising tone.

我用上升的語氣結束了交談。

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

上升語調正常來說是表明您會 繼續講，這會導致您聽到的

silence you heard.

尷尬的安靜。

The listener expected more.

聽者期望聽到更多的東西。

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結束您的 交談，其他的人應該講了呢？

What can you do?

您可以做什麼？

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

一種方式是在您結束時使用 清晰、下降的語調。

Listen to the same sentence twice.

聽同樣的句子兩次。

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?

哪一個會聽起來像是我講完要講的了？

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

我在第二次使用了一個降調， 表明我要講的講完了。

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

同樣，當您結束您講的時候，您也許要 開始稍微講慢一點。

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

稍微講慢一點可以發出一個您要 講的講完了，其他人應該講了

should speak.

的訊號。

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

另一種結束您講話的簡單方式是 問一個另一個人

the other person.

需要回答的問題。

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

最後，使用手勢，像是舉起您 的手，掌心向上，能給出一個

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

意思是“it’s your turn to talk now.”的肢體語言。

Sound simple?

聽起來簡單嗎？

Maybe, but we often see problems with this.

也許，但是我們經常看到這樣有問題。

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

同樣，也許您在這樣一個情形之下，像是 一個電話交談，在那個情形下，

signals.

您*不能*使用肢體語言。

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

在這個事例裡，您需要控制好語調 和語速，以便表明

ends.

您講完了。

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

同樣，如果您在一個口說考試裡，像是 一個雅思口說考試，那不是

dialogue.

一個正常的對話。

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

在這個事例裡，您需要使用發音特征 – 主要是語調 – 來表明

that your answer has finished.

您講完了。

Thanks for watching!

感謝觀看！

See you next time!

下次見！