How to start a conversation with a foreigner

HOW TO START A TALK WITH A NEW FOREIGNER
YES

MAYBE

Weather
Hobbies
(most common)
(maybe too personal)
Compliments
Dreams
(saying something nice)
(maybe too personal)
Hometown
Life Lessons
(we love to talk about our home)
(too long)
Travel
Sports
(we love to talk about your home) (different sports in VN)
Food
(everyone loves food)

NO
Money
(not for you to know)
Love
(too personal))
Politics
(personal – get angry)
Health

(too personal)

The steps you can you to start a conversation:
1: GREETINGS:

Good morning/afternoon/evening .. How are you?
I’m a student learning English/ so may talk with you ?

2: SMALL TALK:
Weather
What a beautiful day!/ Great day !/ It’s a beautiful day, isn’t it?
Give compliments
I like your ..... shoes, hair, phone,...!
We have the same color eyes / phone/hair/..... !
Look! We have the same glasses/color/jeans. Amazing!
3. INTRODUCTION:
My name is _______. Nice to meet you! What’s your name?
I come from Nam Dinh, about 100 km away from here
4. Q&A:
Hometown
Where do you come from?
Job
What do you do?


Travel
What brings you to Vietnam?/ Why did you choose Vietnam?
How long are you visiting Hanoi?/ How long is your trip?
What are your plans in Hanoi ?
What do you like most in Vietnam?

Food
Do you like Vietnam food?/ What is your favorite Vietnam food?
May I help you find ... food, cloths, tourist attractions in Hanoi?
Others
What are your plans in hanoi ?
I can help you find / do / get anything!
You are safe with me / it is safe to drink/eat/go to …
Let’s explore hanoi/markets. Together!?”
5. FEEDBACK
What are your interests and favourite
Things ?…….... (wait and listen) “I can show you that!
We can see/do that together if you like?”
6. SHOW INTEREST:
Wow, really?
That’s interesting!
Amazing!
7. RECONNECT:

Thank you very much for spending time with me. Let’s keep in touch!
Thank you very much for talking with me
I enjoyed spending time together with you ...lets' catch up ?
Here is my .. phone number / email / face book ..
Call me anytime / if you need anything !
Let’s catch up tomorrow..same place ?”