What do you talk about in online English conversation? [Preparation for beginners]

I'm Hisae, your “English conversation debut coach.”

I started online English conversation at age 45, and it’s been almost seven years now.
I have used over 10 different services so far.

“What should I talk about in online English conversation?”
You probably have that anxiety at first, right?

I felt safe starting because I had watched my daughter’s lessons from the side, but when I actually took one myself, I was still nervous.

And there were things I didn't understand just by watching, things I “only realized after actually trying it myself”.

In this article, I will share what you talk about at the beginning of a lesson and the important things I discovered during that time.

The exchanges that always happen at the start of a lesson

Online English conversation lessons basically follow a textbook.

However, right after the lesson starts, there is often self-introduction or some small talk.

In fact, thevery first thing you will always be asked is the classic phrase, “
Can you hear me and see me well?”

The first time, I couldn't catch these words and panicked.

But since I’m asked every time, I quickly got used to it and became able to answer, “
Yes, I can hear you and see you well.
”

Of course, just saying “Yes!” at first is fine.

After that, there is usually a confirmation of names, and it flows into, “
Let’s introduce ourselves.”Sometimes the teacher asks, “


Who will go first?” and I used to answer, “You go first.


” or “After you.”

These kinds of exchanges happen almost every time, so you will get used to them naturally.

You don't need to overthink it. Try to answer simply.

Once the greetings and self-introductions are finished, the lesson using the textbook finally begins.
Textbooks for beginners start with “practicing talking about yourself.”

“What are your hobbies?” “What is your favorite food?” “What did you do yesterday?”—these are all familiar questions, but they are surprisingly difficult when you actually try to answer them.

When I was asked, “What is your favorite food?” my brain went into overdrive.

“Should I say a healthy vegetable?” “Should I say sushi because it’s Japanese?” “But I actually like Italian... but it’s a bit heavy lately...”

Silence while I thought.
In the end, what I squeezed out was, “I like…rice.” Haha

It might sound strange coming from me, but I'm so serious that I feel like I have to come up with a 'valid reason' for my answers.

But in English conversation, you don't have to answer that seriously 😅

When asked about your favorite food, “Because it’s delicious.” or “Because I like the color.”
is more than enough.

What I learned from this experience is—answers can be simple.

First, let's practice answering simply.

Build your skills with daily habits

Lessons for beginners start with really simple things.

“Can I really learn to speak English just by talking about myself?”
“Is it really effective to keep doing such simple things?”
Some of you might think that.

But in reality, you can't even say those “simple things.”

The foundation of daily conversation is, after all, “about yourself.”
What you like. What kind of people your family members are. What you do every day.
Conversation expands from there.

And the important thing is not to build long sentences, but to try saying even just one word first.
Interaction is born from there.

Keeping an English diary is recommended for that practice.
Try translating daily events or things about your family into English, one sentence at a time.

“My daughter likes baking.”
“My husband is kind.”
“I watched a movie yesterday.”

Furthermore, by adding “how you felt,” like
“That movie was interesting.” or “I was tired today.”,
you will be able to express your own feelings as well.

And if you think, “How do I say this in English?” during your day, look it up immediately.

💡One-point advice

Don't just stop at looking it up or writing it down; try talking to yourself in front of a mirror.
(This is really important!)

Try practicing as if you are talking to someone.


By letting English seep into your daily life like that, the things you can say will gradually increase.

In conclusion

When people say “I can speak English,” we tend to think we must use difficult words or long sentences.

But the important thing is, first, to simply speak about yourself little by little.

“I like coffee.” “I did the laundry today.”
Starting with just one word like that is enough.

I believe that building on that is the shortest path to mastering the words and phrases you truly need.

It is okay if you cannot speak perfectly and fluently.
Starting today, why not try saying one thing about yourself in English?

That small step will lead you to becoming someone who can speak English.🌸

Summary

• Lessons often start with standard exchanges like "Can you hear me?"

• There are many opportunities to talk about yourself, such as self-introductions, hobbies, and family.

• You don't need to overthink it.Practice saying things in simple phrases.

• If you continue keeping an English diary or practicing in front of a mirror, your skills will improve naturally.

Thank you for reading until the end.

In this note, based on my own experience of starting English conversation in my 40s,
I share tips for beginners to continue learning with peace of mind.

I have also compiled other articles useful for English conversation learning below👇

"I want to try it, but I don't know where to start."
I would be happy if I could support the first step for those people.🌸

🟢Official LINE: Delivering tips for enjoying English conversation for those in their 40s and 50s.
I share tips to resolve anxieties like "Where should I start?" or "Will I be okay?"
👉 [Click here to add the official LINE as a friend]

🌸 Trial Course: Experience the feeling of "I said it!" with 3 patterns. Why not grasp the "feeling of speaking" in one hour? I am currently holding trial courses on Street Academy.
👉 [Click here for the Street Academy course page]