How to Have Successful Free Conversation Lessons

As an experienced online language teacher, I teach a lot of ‘free conversation’ classes. These are lessons without a specific topic that the student must discuss, allowing them the freedom to talk about anything they want.

Teaching 1-1 free conversation lessons online can be challenging, especially with new students. Finding interesting topics to discuss can be difficult even for experienced instructors. However, by employing certain strategies, you can make these lessons engaging and productive.

Here are five tips to help you when a student requests a free conversation lesson:

1. Choose topics that are relevant to your student

Always focus on topics that interest your student rather than your own hobbies or interests. Small talk at the beginning of the lesson can be enjoyable, but students often prefer to have deeper and more meaningful discussions. When choosing a topic, consider your student’s background and interests to evaluate whether they would enjoy discussing the subject.

2. Consider the number of classes the student has taken with you

Students who have taken many classes with you are likely to feel more comfortable speaking with you than newer students. For new students, discussing hobbies, sports, and work can be fun. For example, asking a new student who loves sports about their favorite team can be a great way to generate a lively discussion.

For students who have been with you for six months or longer, you could introduce more complex topics to help them improve their language skills. Sometimes you may not need to introduce an entirely new topic and can instead review a previously discussed subject in more detail.

For example, if your student enjoys talking about sports, you can discuss a complicated sports event in their home country. One of my regular free conversation students is a law professor. Early on, we discussed her teaching career and her experiences with students. As time progressed, our discussions shifted to legal topics and the concepts she teaches in her classes.

3. Avoid sensitive topics

One of the most challenging aspects of managing a free conversation class is navigating sensitive topics when they arise. Some students may request regular free conversation lessons to engage in more detailed discussions. These students might bring up controversial or sensitive issues occurring in their country.

It is crucial to ensure that the lesson remains student-focused. If a student brings up a topic like a political event or social issue, listen to their opinions and avoid engaging in debate or conflict. Ask questions that encourage them to share their thoughts, but do not pressure them if they are unwilling.

In extreme cases, it may be best to listen without debating and gently shift the conversation to a less serious topic instead. This approach can help the student feel respected and understood, creating a safe learning environment where they can express themselves without fear of judgment.

Above all, remember that you are in a professional environment. It’s best to be careful about voicing your own views, especially if they differ from your student’s opinions.

4. Be adaptable and ready to change topics

Always remember to let the student have control over the discussion topic. Be ready to change the subject if they seem uninterested or uncomfortable. A sudden change of tone in their voice, lack of eye contact, or change in facial expression can indicate how much the student is enjoying the lesson. If the student has their camera on during the lesson, use this to your advantage and keep an eye on their body language.

• Subtly redirect the conversation. For example, if your student mentions their work was stressful yesterday, you can change the subject by asking what they did after work instead.
• Abruptly change the subject. You should only use this strategy if your student is noticeably uncomfortable, upset, or asks to change the subject. For example, if your student tells you they went to a family member’s funeral last week, express your condolences and then ask about a different topic, such as the weather. This strategy will steer the discussion away from sensitive or upsetting content.

5. Learn about your student’s conversation style

Every student has a unique conversation style. Some prefer to speak for 90% of the class time, while others may prefer a more balanced exchange. It is important to understand your student’s preferred style to manage the lesson effectively.

Also, as an instructor, you can use your expertise to help your student grow. For example, if a student prefers to speak for 10% of the time, it is your role as an instructor to challenge, support, and encourage them. Remember that your student is taking classes with EF Teach Online to improve their English skills, so make sure to correct their mistakes, highlight where they have done well, and take detailed notes.

While no two students are the same, the strategies outlined above can help you achieve success in your 1-1 free conversation lessons. Choosing relevant discussion topics, avoiding controversial issues, and being adaptable have proven to be effective approaches in my classroom.

Learn more about EF Teach Online here.