One of the most daunting tasks a Non-English Speaker faces abroad is making basic conversation for essential requirements. Even if they are somewhat fluent in the language specific vocabulary fails them in these situations. So it is a good idea to make them practice some mock conversations in role play in the class. It is a non threatening environment where they can learn to convey their correct meaning easily.

Developing the art of conversation in specific situations hence becomes quite important in any course of Improving Spoken English. So where should you begin and what all do they need to learn? While the entire list could be endless for class purposes I would suggest the following topics.

In the primary block are:
1. Bank
2. Supermarket
3. Restaurant
4. Hospital

Next in order of importance:
1. Police
2. Railway Reservations
3. Air Tickets
4. Hotel Bookings

Not so important but can also be covered:
1. Post Office
2. Library
3. Office
4. Social Gathering

Basic questions can be framed and a guideline for multiple possible answers can be provided. For example In case of Banks, questions can be framed related to:
1. Opening an Account
2. Accessing an existing Account
3. Making or receiving Money Transfers
4. Problems with ATM Cards
5. Cheque Book requests, etc.

Now answers can be framed in a multitude of ways. To make the role play more interactive have half the members of the class act as a procession of customers who are being serviced by the other half in the pretend bank. A little bit of humour can go a long way in reinforced learning.

Similarly questions can be framed for all the other topics in the first block. Buying things at the supermarket or ordering a basic meal at a restaurant, maybe even an emergency trip to the hospital due to an unexpected emergency. The possibilities are endless. This conversation will come in handy for them in daily life situations.

The second set of topics is not what they will use everyday but will be important when they do use them. While the Police can be used to file a complaint at the Police Station, they can also be used for a speeding ticket situation. The rest of the services are what they will need to be proficient in making bookings for themselves. However you can also give them situations where some service was lacking and how they deal with that. For instance despite a confirmed Air Ticket they get bumped off the flight, or arriving at a hotel with confirmed bookings are told that there are no rooms available and so on.

The last lot is more or less optional to help them develop more social skills. Also it would be a good opportunity for them to learn about the culture and customs of the country where they plan to spend some time. For instance you can discuss the state owned library buildings in the USA compared to our own college or neighbourhood libraries. Or if it is a social gathering the expected behaviour of a guest at an Indian Function can be juxtaposed with the expected behaviour of a guest at a Family Supper at Thanksgiving in the USA. You can also discuss how the Postal System in India is similar to its counterpart in UK, especially since it was derived from them. Maybe office etiquette in the West can be compared to that in the Far East. Try out all the permutations and combinations till you hit the right one.

All the best and have fun. Only when you are enjoying the class and feel involved with them will they enjoy it too.

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