CONVERSATION IN ENGLISH

Dec 5, 20243 min read

Updated: Dec 9, 2024

At LB LIA Yogyakarta, the “Conversation in English” is designed to enhance “Conversational and Communication skills” for both students and employees. These classes focus on practical speaking abilities, enabling learners to engage effectively in everyday conversations. The curriculum is divided into two main categories: “Conversation for Students (CVS)” and “Conversation for Employees (CVE)”, each tailored to meet the specific needs of the participants. The main difference is on the topics. Conversation for Students is dealing with issues on studying while Conversation for Employees talks about work environment.

Conversational Skills

The importance of conversational skills cannot be overstated; they form the backbone of effective communication. In these classes, learners practice essential expressions and responses (Functional English) through role-playing which help them navigate social interactions with confidence. For instance, common scenarios such as introducing oneself or asking for information are emphasized, allowing students to become familiar with standard conversational phrases. This is practiced by drilling and role plays.

A communication is mostly in the form of a dialog, consisting of an Opening, the body, adn Closing. The opening and Closing consist of fixed expressions (Functional English) that are learned by meorizing and practicing to form automatization. The expressions are usually Stimulus-Response based. People also call it "parroting".

How about the "body" of a communication? Can you memorize what you are going to say as the communication flow can't be predicted? You must be ready to transform your ideas into expressions. This is called Topical English. It is mostly enhanced by having discussion so as students know "What to say" and " How to say". Are "Tenses" the main tools? Nope. To master the "How to say" students need to understand "Sentence Construction". Of course, it must be supported by enough vocabulary inventory and pronunciation.

Communication Skills

Communication skills are the abilities used to give and receive information. They are a core social skill that are critical for sharing thoughts and ideas clearly with others.

Some examples of communication skills include:

Initiating conversations: Starting a conversation with a relevant question or comment.
Being an empathic listener : Paying full attention to the speaker, showing interest through nonverbal cues, and summarizing key points before responding
Maintaining a conversation: Keeping the dialogue flowing by asking follow-up questions, sharing relevant information, and responding thoughtfully
Ending conversations gracefully: Signaling the end of a conversation politely and appropriately
Building confidence to speaking in group or public
Having excellent presentation and negotiation skills
Empathy: Understanding and responding to the emotions of the other person.
Non-verbal communication: Using body language like eye contact, facial expressions, and gestures to convey meaning.

Moreover, the program encourages a supportive environment where participants can overcome personal barriers like shyness or fear of making mistakes. By focusing on real-life applications rather than just grammar rules, students develop a more natural flow in their speech. This approach not only enhances their vocabulary but also improves their overall communication competence, preparing them for various contexts—whether in academic settings or professional workplaces.

Conclusion

LB LIA Yogyakarta's commitment to fostering these skills ensures that learners are not just memorizing phrases but are truly engaging in meaningful conversations. With flexible learning modes available—ranging from face-to-face to online classes—students can choose what best fits their schedules while still gaining valuable conversational experience. Ultimately, mastering conversational skills at LB LIA equips individuals with the tools necessary to communicate effectively in English, paving the way for personal and professional success.