Conversational English is the real-world language people use every day — the casual chit-chat with friends, coworkers, and strangers. It's not the stiff, formal language in textbooks or academic essays. Think less, "May I inquire about your availability?" and more, "Hey, you free later?"

You'll hear conversational English in:

• Cafes
• Restaurants
• Grocery stores
• Gyms

What Makes Conversational English Different?

Unlike academic or business English, conversational English is:

• Informal – Full of contractions, everyday phrases, and slang.
• Flexible – Grammatical rules matter less than clear, natural flow.
• Cultural – Includes jokes, idioms, and references that reflect daily life.
• Dynamic – Changes depending on tone, setting, and who you're talking to.

You'll hear phrases like:

• "What's up?" vs "How are you doing?".
• "Gonna grab a coffee" instead of "I am going to get a coffee".

Why It Matters for Learners

Most students don't just want to pass a test — they want to speak with confidence. Whether exploring a new country, joining a work meeting, or just making friends online, conversational English helps them feel connected and understood.

Teaching Across Different Student Levels

Here's how it looks across different student levels:

Beginner learners: Focus on speaking simple, useful phrases in everyday situations. The goal is to build comfort and confidence early on.

Intermediate learners: Start learning how to handle different settings — casual chats, work-related talk, and more. Vocabulary grows, and so does fluency.

Advanced learners: Work on tone, humor, slang, and subtle cultural references. It's all about sounding natural and understanding the rhythm of real conversation.

Teaching children: Keep it playful and interactive — songs, games, and roleplay help young learners pick up natural speech without even realizing they're practicing.

Whether teaching one-on-one or group conversation classes, the goal is always to increase student talking time (STT) while providing targeted feedback and support.

At its core, teaching conversational English is the art of conversation. You're creating a space where language thrives and conversation flows.

When a student asks, "how to speak English conversationally" they focus isn't on textbook rules but on genuine speaking skills. Imagine an authentic dialogue with your student where fluency precedes grammar. A journey towards understanding, not merely using the correct word.

Students often seek connection and constructive feedback from a native speaker. Your role? Be that coach, conversation partner, or cultural guide. Help them gain experience and build confidence in speaking English. 

Put your students at the core of your conversational English class. Here's how you can make your classes truly student-centered:

1) Focus on Their Interests

Get to know your students and what they're passionate about. Tailor your questions and topics to their:

• Hobbies
• Careers
• Current events
• Travel
• Favorite subjects

Relatable lessons keep them hooked.

Also, don't only ask about hobbies at the beginning. Keep referring back to their answers throughout the lesson. If your student mentions travel, weave it into roleplays or follow-up questions. This recycles vocabulary naturally and maintains engagement—key to teaching conversation in English classes at any level.

2) Let Them Lead

Let students guide the conversation. Encourage them to ask questions, share their opinions, or explore topics that matter to them. It makes English personal and learning meaningful.

3) Give Supportive Feedback

Praise the good and gently point out areas that need improvement. Make learners feel comfortable and eager to grow.

4) Create Opportunities for Interaction

If possible, facilitate group discussions or pair students for collaborative activities. This fosters community and enables students to practice conversational skills with their peers.

1. Use info-gap activities: Create situations where students need something from each other to complete the activity. Real questions, accurate answers.
2. Set up goal-driven role-plays: Give students roles with conflicting goals, opinions, or hidden agendas. This forces negotiation and deeper interaction. Example: "You're coworkers planning a product. One wants to cut costs, the other wants premium features. Make a plan you both agree on."
3. Use breakout rooms with purpose: Split students into smaller groups for mini-discussions, then bring everyone back to share takeaways. Example: "Come up with three conversation tips for shy learners. One person presents your list back to the group."

5) Encourage Reflection

At the end of the lesson, encourage students to reflect on what they've learned and how they've grown. What new vocabulary did they use? What new ideas did they express? Reflection locks in the gains and pushes them to keep improving.

6) Flexibility is Key

Be ready to switch things up. If they love a topic or stumble on another, pivot. Show them you're in tune with their needs and willing to personalize the learning experience.

By focusing on students' interests, letting them express themselves, and supporting them, you'll turn every class into a personalized, exciting learning adventure. That's teaching done right!

Teaching conversational English online? A well-thought-out question list ignites conversations and helps you understand and push your learner's abilities.

1) Start with the Basics

• How are you?
• Can you tell me about your family?
• What do you do for fun?

Once you gauge your student's level with these icebreakers, you can move on to more complex questions:

• How would you describe your personality?
• What is your favorite book and why?
• What three things would you bring if you were stuck on a deserted island? Why?

2) Categorize Questions

Introduce questions with varying levels of difficulty around a topic:

• Warm-up: Simple questions to build confidence. "What's your favorite hobby?"
• Intermediate: Open-ended questions to stretch thinking. "Why do you enjoy that hobby?"
• Advanced: Finish with complex questions to challenge and engage. "How does that hobby influence other aspects of your life?"

Your aim isn't to cover everything on your list in one class or stick strictly to your chosen topics. The list provides a conversation starting point, with plenty of backup topics if the conversation lags.

Mix questions that connect with interests to spark curiosity. Open-ended questions encourage detailed answers, while simple questions provide quick responses.

3) Maximize Introductions

When students introduce themselves, prompt them with a question directly tied to your lesson's theme. For example, if it's a travel lesson, ask, "Where was your last holiday?" Then, circle back to that detail later during a roleplay. This helps students see how new vocabulary connects to real life and maintains that natural conversation flow.

Though English conversational classes may feel fluid, coming prepared ensures success. Sometimes, students need a nudge. If they don't ask you back, respond with your own answer. It gives them a fresh perspective on how to engage.

For instance, say you ask about their favorite weekend activity, and they say, "I enjoy hiking." You can bounce back with: "Hiking, huh? You must love the outdoors! I'm more of a beach person myself. Have you ever tried surfing?"

See what happened there? You mirrored their answer, modeled a new question, and added some of your own flavor. It helps them see different ways to use questions and share opinions.

Answering your own questions doesn't just keep the conversation rolling; it connects with students on a new level, making learning English fun and authentic.

Get comfortable with silence when teaching English. It might initially feel awkward, making you want to fill the void. But resist the urge.

It's not just a pause; it's a chance for your student to think and respond. Learning a new language is challenging; those quiet moments are crucial for comprehension and growth.

Why Silence Matters

• Time to Think: Students need time to translate thoughts into English.
• Learning Tool: Silence isn't a gap; it's a tool that helps students find the right words.
• Know When to Prompt: Watch for cues. If they're struggling, step in with a gentle prompt.

The Golden Rule

• Let the silence hang but be ready to guide. Your student is translating thoughts on the fly, and that takes time.
• Silence shows patience and trust in your student's ability. It's more than a teaching technique; it's a respectful nod to the learning process's complexity.
• It's all about balance. Allow students time, but don't let it drag on too long. Your role is to support, not rush them.

In embracing these quiet moments, you're not just teaching English but fostering a mindful and effective learning environment. Silence is golden and a part of the teaching process that you should cherish.

Real-life situational role plays are gold when connecting lessons to real-world situations. Here's how you can make it happen:

1) Set the Stage

Outline the situation first. Tell your student, 'Imagine you're at the airport, trying to reschedule your flight due to a sudden change of plans.'

2) Dive into the Roleplay

Start acting as the airline representative: 'Good afternoon! I understand you need to change your flight. Can I have your booking reference, please?' Then, follow the conversation, offering flight options, discussing fees, etc.

3) Listen and Observe

While engaging, make mental or physical notes on areas to improve. Share constructive feedback after the role-play, focusing on specific growth areas.

4) Repeat with a Twist

Have the conversation again with those improvements. Add a twist, like limited availability or a high price. Even throw in a curveball like their credit card declined and see how they respond.

5) Reflect and Adapt

Provide feedback afterwards and choose whether to repeat the same scenario or a similar one with new challenges.

Real-life role plays inject energy and realism into lessons. You're not just teaching language; you're preparing students for actual scenarios they might face. It makes learning practical, engaging, and fun, strengthening their confidence in handling real-world situations.

A conversation class is all about your student taking center stage. So, allow plenty of student talking time (STT) and reduce teacher talking time (TTT). Here's how to make it happen:

1) Aim for 20-30% Teacher Talking Time (TTT):

Your student's student should be speaking more than you. If your class lasts an hour, your talking time should only be 12 to 15 minutes.

This is more than possible with intermediate students and above, although it may be a bit more challenging with beginners. By sticking to this range, you give your students the floor, encouraging them to practice, express, and grow in their English-speaking skills.

2) Maximize Time for Language Production

Your focus? Get them to express themselves. The more you let your learners talk, the better you get to know them! Every minute they're speaking, they're learning.

3) Encourage Student-to-Student Interaction

Instead of a teacher-led Q&A, try pairing students for discussions or small-group roleplays. Rotate partners (using a "round-robin" approach) so they speak to multiple classmates. This mimics real-life social settings and massively increases speaking time. It's especially effective in conversational English lessons for adults, helping them adapt to different styles and voices.

3) Be Mindful of Your Role

You're a guide, not the star of the show. Listen more, encourage, and let your learners' voices shine.

4) Embrace the Pause

Silence is okay. Give them time to think, respond, and formulate their thoughts. It's their chance to explore the language at their own pace.

By embracing Student Talking Time (STT), you create a lively space where your students feel empowered to express themselves, grow, and flourish. It's their time to talk and your time to enjoy watching them thrive.

Understanding your student's English level and aligning your register, vocabulary, syntax, and speaking speed is key in any online lesson. It's not just about talking; it's about making it real and relatable without overwhelming them.

• Speak Naturally, Yet Mindfully: Find that sweet spot where you talk naturally but not too slow or loudly. Keep it clear and concise without making it feel like a lecture. Don't patronize.
• Don't Treat Them Like Kids (Unless They Are!): Teaching an adult? Talk to them like one. No one likes those exaggerated, SLOW, LOUD, CLIPPED SENTENCES, so steer clear.
• Mind Your Pace: Your average speaking speed might be too fast for an English learner. Be aware of your pacing and allow them to follow along, ask questions, or signal when confused.

Language Grading: Speaking at the Right Level

Effective conversational English teachers intuitively adjust their language to match their students' proficiency level. This skill, called language grading, is essential for creating comprehensible input:

Beginners:

• Use the 2000 most common high-frequency words.
• Stick to short, clear sentences.
• Repeat key information with slight variations.
• Support what you say with gestures, visuals, or written prompts
• Avoid idioms, slang, and complex tenses. Say: "Let’s start now" instead of "Shall we get going?"

Intermediate learners:

• Introduce new vocabulary in context.
• Use a mix of sentence structures — simple, but more natural.
• Add everyday idioms, and explain them as they come up.
• Focus more on verbal interaction, less on visual aids.

For advanced learners:

• Use natural speech with minimal simplification.
• Include nuance, humor, and cultural references.
• Push with abstract topics and deeper discussion.
• Introduce subject-specific terms based on interests or goals.
• Use authentic materials like news clips, podcasts, or articles.

The goal of language grading isn't to speak "unnaturally" but to provide language input that's just slightly above the student's current level—challenging enough to promote growth but accessible enough to maintain confidence and comprehension.

Fuel deeper conversation with questions that need more than one-word "yes/no" answers. Instead of "Do you like your school?" ask, "What do you like about your school?"

Open-ended questions get students talking in complex sentences, exploring new topics, and diving into their passions.

Use a conservation starter generator or play Would You Rather if stuck for questions.

Experiment with Debates:

Want to take it a step further? Choose a debate topic and let them pick a side. Give them a few minutes to prepare, then let the debate begin! It's a dynamic way to encourage thoughtful responses and opinions.

Teaching conversational English isn't all about words. Visuals, including images, videos, and interactive tools, amplify understanding and capture interest.

1) Arm Yourself with Essential Visual Tools

Equip yourself with a digital whiteboard, chatbox, or even a notepad. These tools assist in spelling and pronunciation, with some online learning platforms even offering built-in features.

2) Engage Through Personalized Visual Challenges

Unleash creativity by connecting to your student's interests. If your student is an architect, offer a floor plan and ask them to explain it. Let their interests guide the lesson.

3) Tell a Story

Spark engagement by crafting visual narratives. Show an image and prompt them to describe what transpired before and after. Challenge them to link ten pictures related to their interests through a storyline or logical connection.

These visual storytelling exercises can be tailored to resonate with their interests and repeated with new topics. The best part? Minimal preparation is needed – just switch up the subject matter, and you have a fresh, engaging lesson every time.

Stay engaged, but jot down key points. It allows the conversation to flow smoothly without constant interruptions for corrections. Notes are your roadmap to effective feedback.

How to Offer Feedback:

Once the conversation ends, ask if they're open to feedback. Start with praise and share what they did well. Don't shy away from constructive critique; it's essential for their growth.

Why Notes Matter:

• Error Correction: Your notes guide you in pointing out grammar or vocabulary issues after speaking, not during.
• Tracking Progress: If you are teaching the same student repeatedly, notes help you avoid repeating topics and recall past discussions.

Remember, it's about enhancing their language skills without hindering the natural flow of conversation. Your notes are reminders to help shape a more personalized learning journey for your students.

Beginners need structure, support, and confidence-building. Their vocab is limited and may feel nervous about speaking, so ease them into real communication. Here's how to make that happen:

1. Start with simple, structured conversations

Begin each lesson with yes/no or multiple-choice questions to warm up the students. Move gradually into short, open-ended questions and model dialogues based on real-life situations like:

• Ordering coffee
• Greeting a neighbor
• Asking for directions

Use visual aids, such as pictures, gestures, or objects, to support understanding without relying on translation.

2. Teach language in “chunks,” not word-by-word

Give students ready-to-use phrases like:

• "I'd like to..."
• "Can I have...?"
• "Excuse me, where is the...?"

Teaching full phrases helps them communicate faster and builds a foundation they can build on later.

3. Recycle and repeat naturally

Beginners require extensive exposure to the same language. Design activities that loop back to key phrases in different ways throughout the lesson without feeling repetitive.

4. Scaffold conversation gradually

Use guided roleplays, written prompts, and simple info-gap activities to move from predictable to more spontaneous speaking.

Try these beginner-friendly formats:

• Question chains (each student asks and answers in turn)
• Picture-based prompts with vocab support
• Roleplays with clear roles and written phrases
• Mini concept checks to confirm understanding

5. Focus on confidence, not perfection

The goal isn't flawless grammar — it's getting them to speak. Celebrate effort and progress. The more they try, the more they grow.

Teaching conversational English isn't just a matter of sticking to a script; it's an ever-evolving, creative journey. With these 10 proven tips, you can make online lessons dynamic and interactive. Being a teacher isn't just about grammar and vocabulary; it's about helping students feel confident and connected. Jump in and make each lesson a one-of-a-kind adventure with words and ideas.