1. Conversing With a Foreigner

2. How NOT to Start a Conversation Excuse me, may I be your friend? Excuse me, could we chat? Excuse me, would you mind chatting with me? Hey, can I talk about something with you? Hello! Would you mind talking about something with me?

3. More Things NOT to Start With Can you please tell me your phone number QQ/WeChat? I am looking for a language partner, so will you be my partner? Actually, I have few chances to chat with foreigners in English. So I want to talk to you in details.

4. If you are introduced or will meet Hi, nice to meet you, my name is… (NOT SEE) How do you do? (formal) Hi, my name is XX. What’s yours? Hi, my name is XX. What’s your name? Hey! How’s it goin’? (informal) Hey, what’s up? (very informal) Nice day, huh? Nice watch, car, shirt, etc.

5. If You See A Laowai… More on this later….

6. Continuing a Conversation TIPS: -ASK ABOUT THEM -FIND OUT WHAT THEY LIKE -WATCH AND LISTEN -AVOID YES/NO QUESTIONS WITH NO FOLLOW-UP

7. What to Say to Keep it Going… What do you do? What do you do in your free time? Do you have children or grandchildren? What do you think about China? Where have you been in China? Who’s your favorite singer ？ What’s your hobby? Do you like travelling? I love…because…What do you think about it? Why have you come to XX? Are you on vacation? Or are you here for work?

8. Finishing a Conversation -I should… vs. -I have to/need to/gotta… vs. -I must… -Talk/Speak with you -Talk/Speak to you -Chat with you

9. How to Finish Politely It was nice meeting you, but… It’s getting late and… I’m sorry, but… I have something important to do. I’ve to go. I gotta head out. I need to go. I look forward to chatting with /speaking with /seeing -- you again. I hope we can chat again. Have a nice day! See you around!

10. If They Won’t Stop Talking… Oh no! I have to… Oh shoot!... Oh dang!... Oh nuts!... Oh my god! …

11. If You See a Foreigner Outside Always take the opportunity!!! This is all you need to say: Excuse me, I just wanted to welcome you to China. If I can help in any way, please let me know. Here’s my contact info.

12. When you approach a foreigner and say this, remember to hand them a piece of paper or business card with your contact details Provide as many contact details as possible – let them decide how to communicate with you If they do not engage you in conversation after you finish, smile politely and walk away This will work more than most other approaches Remember, every time you leave your home/dormitory, you must have your contact information ready to go!

13. WHAT YOU SAY IS MEANINGLESS IF YOU DON’T PAY ATTENTION TO BODY LANGUAGE AND CUSTOMS: For Example: ---Standing too close ---Gesturing ---Physical contact ---Handshake