9 English conversation mistakes to avoid

Mohamed Shaik
Two young women on a sofa talking to eachother

As humans, we learn and grow through our interactions with other people. Often these encounters are centered around great conversations – rich, meaningful exchanges among a small group of people where each person actively listens and shares. Great discussions are invaluable – they enrich our understanding of people and the world around us. Socially, being someone who can engage effortlessly with others allows us to create deep friendships and gain incredible personal growth and satisfaction. In our careers, we are more effective when we work well with others – the ability to collaborate and solve problems together makes us more effective professionals and makes our businesses more successful.

Common English conversation mistakes

But what if you must hold a conversation in English and it is not your native language? One of the many obstacles to learning something new, like English conversation, is that it can be difficult, time-consuming and even a little scary! That’s why we put together a list of nine English conversation mistakes to avoid that apply whether you are speaking with one or several people at once. Keep these tips in mind to help you improve your interactions with people all over the world…

1) Faking interest in the person

One of the things that separates a conversation from a 'transaction' (such as ordering something in a restaurant) is the genuine mutual interest of each person in the other. If one isn’t interested in knowing more about the other person, neither will engage meaningfully, and the interaction will become transactional or just 'small talk'. Most people are fascinating – take the time to learn what you can about them.

2) Discussing negative and sensitive topics

People are more engaged and willing to share when they are relaxed and happy. Especially when you don’t know someone well, it is always better to focus on the positives – avoid both sharing your biggest troubles and bringing up topics that could be negative from a cultural, religious, political, or even personal perspective. There is always something positive to share!

3) Trying to 'win' an argument

Particularly when speaking with someone you don’t know well and/or someone from another country or background, it is precarious for a conversation (especially one where you are practicing your English conversation skills) to evolve into a debate or argument. It is likely that for any two people, there will be many points of disagreement, and if such differences emerge, it’s better to attempt to understand the other person’s point of view rather than to 'win' an argument. It is perfectly acceptable to agree to disagree about specific issues and move on.

4) Disrespecting others beliefs

If you want a great conversation, others must feel you aren’t judgmental. When someone feels their ideas and beliefs are questioned or belittled, any meaningful exchange will often shut down. Instead, try listening for understanding, and you may learn something!

5) 'Hogging' the stage

It is said that great actors make their fellow performers look great. It is the essence of teamwork, and the same principle applies to great conversationalists. Ask questions that allow others to be positive, confident, and maybe even a little boastful, but certainly remember to do it in a genuine way. The positive energy will be contagious!

6) Fearing learning something unknown

There are over seven billion people worldwide, and none are exactly like you! The greatest learning experiences are often from interactions with those who are very different from ourselves. Embrace and celebrate those differences. Allow others to share their unique perspective and journey, always keeping in mind we all share so much in common. We all want to be happy, love others, and have meaning in our lives.

7) Trying to be someone you are not

There’s only one person you can be, so don’t try to be someone else or something you are not. A great conversation is based on authenticity; most people can easily sense when another is not truthful or authentic. While keeping in mind all of the other rules, it’s both acceptable and expected for you to share your own journey!

8) Monopolizing the conversation

We’ve all been in those conversations where the other person dominates by talking incessantly. At some point, we shut down, just waiting for it to end. Active listening and learning ceases. Engagement requires participation from both parties – don’t hold back from sharing, but at the same time, don’t be that person who dominates and effectively shuts down that engagement.

9) Focusing on superficial topics

What separates a great conversation from 'small talk' is the meaningful nature of the dialog. Talking about the weather doesn’t elicit much other than maybe politeness. A great conversationalist elicits meaningful thoughts from others, and those come from purposeful questions. People love to think; asking them something that requires thoughtfulness deepens the conversation's value and strengthens the relationship between the parties.

Discover more English tips in our other blog posts

More blogs from ÃÛÌÒapp

  • A businessman smiling outside

    Upskilling and re-skilling for work: Future-proofing your career

    Por Claire Chettiar

    In today's rapidly evolving work landscape, the importance of both upskilling and re-skilling has never been more evident. The skills required in the workplace are continuously shifting due to technological advancements, changing job roles, and increasing global competition. Learning new skills is the key to remaining relevant, competitive, and future proofing your career.Ìý

    A recentÌýÃÛÌÒapp skills outlook reportÌýshows how Indian workers are keen to improve their skills for career growth (with a focus on certain skills in technology and business English) to keep up with progression, and to stay relevant to employers. Following this, in today's post, we explore the significance of upskilling and re-skilling and how they can empower you to thrive in the dynamic world of work.Ìý

    Staying relevant in a changing job market

    The job market is in a constant state of flux, with traditional roles being disrupted and new ones emerging. Upskilling allows you to stay ahead of these changes in your current career, and reskilling allows you to adapt and remain relevant in the face of evolving skill requirements. By continuously updating and expanding your skill set, you enhance your employability and increase your chances of securing meaningful employment opportunities, even in the face of automation and job market fluctuations.

    Enhancing professional growth and advancement

    Upskilling is not just about maintaining your current job; it is also a catalyst for professional growth and advancement. By acquiring new skills, you broaden your horizons, open doors to new career possibilities, and position yourself for promotions and higher-level positions.

    Employers value employees who demonstrate a commitment to self-improvement and possess a diverse range of skills, making upskilling a powerful tool for career progression.

    Navigating technological advancements

    Technology continues to reshape the workplace, and upskilling is essential for effectively navigating these advancements. Automation, artificial intelligence, and digitalization are transforming industries, and workers must adapt to remain relevant. Re-skilling in areas such as data analysis, coding, cybersecurity, or digital marketing equips you with the expertise needed to leverage technology and work alongside it, rather than being displaced by it.

    Increasing job satisfaction and motivation

    Learning and growth are fundamental drivers of job satisfaction and motivation: research has shown that it is as significant a factor as low pay in peoples' decision to stay with a particular company or job role1. Upskilling not only expands your knowledge but also stimulates your intellectual curiosity and passion for your work. When you invest in your professional development, you can align your skills with your passions and find greater fulfilment in your chosen career path.

    Nurturing adaptability and resilience

    Upskilling fosters adaptability and resilience, two essential qualities in today's dynamic work environment. The estimates that a quarter of all jobs will be disrupted in the next five years alone; meaning that everyone needs to be prepared for change and uncertainty.

    By continuously learning and developing new skills, you become more adaptable to changing circumstances and can readily embrace new challenges. Upskilling enhances your problem-solving abilities, critical thinking skills, and ability to learn quickly, making you better equipped to handle unexpected situations and thrive in an ever-evolving workplace.

    Remaining competitive in a global economy

    As the world becomes increasingly interconnected, global competition for jobs is intensifying. By staying abreast of industry trends, acquiring in-demand skills, and demonstrating a commitment to self-improvement, you differentiate yourself from other candidates and increase your chances of securing coveted job opportunities, both domestically and internationally.

    The importance of upskilling and re-skilling for work cannot be overstated. In a rapidly changing world, they are the keys to remaining relevant, adaptable, and competitive. By continuously learning and developing new skills, you future-proof your career, enhance your employability, and open doors to new opportunities.

    Embrace skills development as a lifelong journey: by doing so, you empower yourself to thrive in the dynamic world of work and build a fulfilling, successful career.

  • Coworkers sat at a desk with their laptops, smiling and talking to eachother

    Boosting employee retention: Benefits of language learning in the workplace

    Por Claire Chettiar

    In the era of the Great Resignation, there are lots of factors that influence whether or not someone chooses to stay with their company or decides to accept a job offer from a new employer.

    Whilst fair pay remains a constant in this, feeling included, valued, and cared about by colleagues plays a significant role in the decision on whether to stay or go.

    Ìý

  • Three business people walking through a hallway smilng

    The value of language skills in the workplace

    Por Claire Chettiar

    Language skills have become increasingly important in the workplace as the world becomes more globalized and connected. Having the ability to communicate effectively in more than one language is very valuable, and with English being a leading lingua franca for businesses across the world, language skills sit at the heart of business success.

    Here we highlight four top reasons why language skills are so valuable in the workplace.

    Enhanced communication

    Effective communication is the number one soft skill that employers look for, . Having strong language skills enables better communication with clients and colleagues, and also helps to work effectively with people from different cultures. It builds solid relationships and reduces frustration where customers or colleagues may otherwise feel that they are not understood or listened to.

    Career opportunities

    Having different languages on your CV can really help to stand out among other candidates. For some industries it is essential, such as tourism, where it is necessary to serve clients from different countries, and this is also true where companies serve clients in international markets.

    Where businesses are increasingly moving to hybrid working practices that can include teams spread across different countries and timezones, it is also becoming more of an expectation and advantage to be able to connect through a central language, such as English.

    Furthermore, having English language skills can provide employees with better networking opportunities, in particular through conferences, trade shows and social media platforms such as LinkedIn.

    Personal growth

    Learning a new language can be a very enriching experience that enhances personal growth and skills development. Language learning doesn't just impact communication skills; it's also been noted that learning a language helps the brain process and remember information more efficiently[1], as well as developing new cognitive and problem-solving skills.

    Learning a new language requires discipline, dedication, and patience, which are qualities that can be applied to other areas of work and life.

    To summarise, language skills are highly valuable in the workplace and can open up new career opportunities for employees, as well as adding tangible benefits to businesses. Investing in language skills can increase an employee's value, and this can help them succeed in today's ever-evolving work landscape.