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SPOKEN ENGLISH
These 10 conversation dialogues give you English speaking practice for real situations: meeting someone new, asking for help at work, a job interview, talking to a lecturer, shopping, a professional phone call, discussing opinions, sorting out a problem, making plans and an IELTS Speaking interview. Each one comes with its key phrases explained.
Reading a dialogue silently teaches you words. Saying it out loud, in both roles, teaches you to speak. Use the steps below to get real practice out of every one.
In This Article
- How to Use These Dialogues for English Speaking Practice
- Dialogue 1: Meeting Someone New
- Dialogue 2: At the Workplace
- Dialogue 3: Job Interview
- Dialogue 4: At University
- Dialogue 5: Shopping
- Dialogue 6: A Professional Phone Call
- Dialogue 7: Discussing an Opinion
- Dialogue 8: Dealing with a Problem
- Dialogue 9: Making Plans
- Dialogue 10: IELTS Speaking Practice (Part 1 Style)
- Frequently Asked Questions
QUICK ANSWER
Read each dialogue aloud in both roles, record yourself, then use every key phrase in a sentence of your own. One dialogue practised properly a day beats several rushed. The 10 cover meeting someone new, work, a job interview, university, shopping, a phone call, opinions, a complaint, making plans and IELTS Speaking Part 1.
How to Use These Dialogues for English Speaking Practice
01
Read it aloud, never silently. Speaking the lines trains your mouth and your timing, not just your eyes.
02
Take both roles. Read Person A’s lines, then Person B’s: each role uses different phrases and responses.
03
Practise with a partner if you can. Take one role each and aim for natural delivery, not perfection. Record yourself and listen back for hesitation and pronunciation.
04
Use the key phrases. After each dialogue, put every key phrase into a new sentence of your own.
05
Change the details and improvise. Once a dialogue feels easy, change the job, the place or the opinion, and keep the conversation going without the script.
Dialogue 1: Meeting Someone New
Meeting Someone New, at a Networking Event
Beginner–Intermediate
A Hi, I don’t think we’ve met. I’m Sara — I work in the marketing department.
B Oh, nice to meet you Sara. I’m Ahmed. I just joined the company last month, so I’m still getting to know everyone.
A Welcome! What team are you on?
B I’m in IT — mostly working on the new system rollout. It’s been a busy start, to be honest.
A I can imagine. Well, if you ever need any help finding your way around, feel free to reach out.
B That’s really kind, thank you. I’ll definitely take you up on that.
Key phrases:
- “I don’t think we’ve met”: a polite, natural way to introduce yourself to a stranger
- “still getting to know everyone”: a natural phrase for someone new at work or university
- “to be honest”: adds honesty to what you’re saying
- “feel free to reach out”: a professional way of inviting someone to contact you
- “take you up on that”: accepting an offer: “I’ll take you up on that” means “I’ll use your offer”
Dialogue 2: At the Workplace
Asking for Help at Work
Intermediate
A Excuse me, do you have a moment? I’m a bit stuck on the quarterly report.
B Sure, what’s the issue?
A I can’t figure out how the regional numbers are supposed to be broken down. The instructions aren’t very clear.
B Ah, that’s always a bit confusing the first time. Let me pull up the template from last quarter — it should make it clearer.
A That would be really helpful. I didn’t want to bother anyone, but I’ve been going in circles for a while.
B No worries at all — it’s better to ask than to submit something incorrect. Here, take a look at this.
Key phrases:
- “do you have a moment”: a polite way to ask for someone’s time
- “a bit stuck on”: unable to make progress with something
- “can’t figure out”: can’t understand or work out how to do something
- “going in circles”: spending time on something without getting anywhere
- “No worries at all”: a friendly way of saying “no problem”
Dialogue 3: Job Interview
The candidate’s experience here is invented. In a real interview, use true details from your own work, and only mention results you can back up.
Job Interview: Common Questions
Intermediate–Advanced
A Thank you for coming in today. Could you start by telling me a little about yourself?
B Of course. I have three years of experience in digital marketing, with a focus on content strategy and social media. Most recently, I managed campaigns for a mid-sized retail company, where I improved its online engagement.
A That’s impressive. What would you say is your greatest professional strength?
B I’d say my ability to communicate clearly — both in writing and in person. I find that a lot of marketing problems come down to unclear messaging, and I’m particularly good at identifying that and fixing it.
A And is there an area you’re still working on developing?
B Definitely. I’m working on my data analysis skills — I’ve started an online course in Google Analytics and I’m already seeing it change how I approach campaign reporting.
Key phrases:
- “with a focus on”: a professional way to name your specialisation
- “Most recently”: a useful transition when you describe your work history
- “I’d say”: softer and more natural than “My strength is…”, and sounds less rehearsed
- “come down to”: means “is ultimately caused by”
- “I’m already seeing it change how I…”: shows you’re learning actively and seeing results
Want more than dialogues? Read: How to improve your English speaking skills at home →
Dialogue 4: At University
Talking to a Lecturer After Class
Intermediate
A Excuse me, Professor — do you have a minute? I had a question about the assignment brief.
B Of course. What’s on your mind?
A I wasn’t sure whether the word limit of 2,000 words includes the references or not.
B Good question. No, the references aren’t included, so you have the full 2,000 words for the essay itself.
A That’s a relief. Also, I wanted to ask — is it acceptable to use newspaper articles as sources, or should it be academic journals only?
B Newspaper articles are fine for background, but your main arguments should be supported by peer-reviewed journal articles.
A Understood. Thank you — that’s really helpful.
Key phrases:
- “What’s on your mind?”: a friendly way to invite someone to speak
- “That’s a relief”: says that something was worrying you and isn’t any more
- “Is it acceptable to…”: a polite, formal way to ask for permission or clarification
- “peer-reviewed”: checked by other experts before publication, as academic journal articles are
Dialogue 5: Shopping
In a Shop, Asking About a Product
Beginner
A Excuse me — I’m looking for a laptop bag. Do you have anything in a medium size?
B Yes, we have a few options. Are you looking for something more formal or casual?
A Something I can use for work — so fairly smart-looking, but also practical.
B In that case, I’d recommend this one. It fits up to a 15-inch laptop, has a waterproof lining, and it comes in black or dark navy.
A That looks good. Is there any discount on it at the moment?
B It’s not currently on sale, but if you sign up for our loyalty card today, you’d get 10% off your first purchase.
A That sounds worthwhile. I’ll take the black one and sign up for the card.
Key phrases:
- “I’m looking for”: the natural way to start when you need help finding something
- “smart-looking, but also practical”: combining two qualities, common in everyday descriptions
- “In that case”: introduces a suggestion based on what was just said
- “at the moment”: right now; more natural than “currently” in casual speech
- “That sounds worthwhile”: says something seems good value
Dialogue 6: A Professional Phone Call
Making a Professional Call
Intermediate
B Good morning, Horizon Solutions. How can I help you?
A Good morning. My name is Ali Khan — I’m calling to follow up on a proposal I submitted last week regarding your IT services tender.
B Of course, Mr Khan. Could I take your contact number and pass it to the relevant department? They’ll get back to you shortly.
A Certainly. It’s on the cover page of the proposal, but I’m happy to give it to you again. Is there a specific person I should be speaking with?
B That would be Ms Aisha Siddiqui in our Procurement team. I’ll let her know you called and ask her to contact you today.
A Thank you very much. I appreciate your help.
Key phrases:
- “I’m calling to follow up on”: a professional opening for a follow-up call
- “regarding”: a formal word for “about”, common in calls and emails
- “get back to you shortly”: a promise to reply soon
- “Is there a specific person I should be speaking with?”: a polite way to ask to be put through to the right person
- “I’ll let her know you called”: a standard receptionist phrase, worth knowing from both sides
Dialogue 7: Discussing an Opinion
Agreeing and Disagreeing Politely
Intermediate–Advanced
A I read that article about remote work you sent. Honestly, I think working from home is better for productivity. You get so much more done without constant interruptions.
B I see your point, but I’d actually disagree. I find it harder to switch off when home and work are the same space.
A That’s fair — I think it really depends on the person and the type of work. Some roles just aren’t suited to remote setups.
B Exactly. And there’s also the collaboration side of things. Some of my best ideas have come out of informal conversations in the office — you just can’t replicate that on a video call.
A I hadn’t thought about it from that angle, actually. Maybe a hybrid model makes the most sense — the best of both.
B That’s probably the most balanced approach, yes.
Key phrases:
- “I see your point, but”: acknowledges the other view before disagreeing, so you don’t sound rude
- “That’s fair”: accepts that a point has merit without fully agreeing
- “the collaboration side of things”: “side of things” after a noun is very natural in spoken English
- “I hadn’t thought about it from that angle”: shows an open mind in a discussion
- “the best of both”: combining the advantages of two options
Dialogue 8: Dealing with a Problem
Complaining Politely in a Restaurant
Intermediate
A Excuse me — I’m sorry to bother you, but I think there may be an issue with our order. We ordered the grilled chicken but we received the pasta instead.
B I sincerely apologise for that. Let me check with the kitchen right away.
A Thank you. We’re also on a bit of a time constraint — we have a meeting in about an hour.
B Understood. I’ll make sure the correct dish is prioritised. And I’d like to offer you a complimentary dessert for the inconvenience.
A That’s very kind — thank you. We really appreciate it.
Key phrases:
- “I’m sorry to bother you, but”: softens a complaint before you make it
- “there may be an issue with”: a diplomatic way of raising a problem
- “right away”: immediately; common in shops and restaurants
- “on a bit of a time constraint”: a polite way of saying you’re short of time
- “complimentary”: given free, often to make up for a problem; more formal than “free”
Dialogue 9: Making Plans
Making Weekend Plans with a Friend
Beginner–Intermediate
A Are you free this weekend? I was thinking we could catch up properly — it feels like ages since we’ve seen each other.
B I know — it’s been too long. Saturday works for me. Sunday I have a family thing.
A Saturday is perfect. What are you in the mood for? We could grab lunch somewhere or just hang out at mine.
B Let’s go out — I’ve been cooped up all week. There’s that new place near Zamzama I’ve been wanting to try.
A Oh yes, I’ve heard good things about it. Let’s say 1pm? And we can figure out the rest from there.
B Works for me. See you Saturday!
Key phrases:
- “catch up properly”: have a real, unhurried conversation after time apart
- “it feels like ages”: it’s been a long time
- “What are you in the mood for?”: what do you feel like doing or eating?
- “hang out at mine”: spend time relaxing at my place
- “been cooped up”: stuck indoors and unable to go out for a while
- “figure out the rest from there”: decide the other details later
A reference list of everyday phrases Read: the spoken English words and phrases most common in daily life →
Dialogue 10: IELTS Speaking Practice (Part 1 Style)
IELTS Speaking Part 1: Work and Daily Life
Intermediate–Advanced
E Let’s talk about your work. What do you do for a living?
C I work as a software engineer at a tech company in Karachi. I’ve been there for about two years now, mostly working on mobile application development.
E What do you enjoy most about your job?
C I’d say the problem-solving aspect. Every project brings a different set of challenges, and there’s a real sense of satisfaction when you finally work something out that’s been causing you trouble for days.
E Is there anything you’d like to change about your current role?
C Honestly, I’d like more opportunities to work on international projects. The exposure to different markets and teams is something I find really valuable, and I’d like to experience more of that.
E How do you usually unwind after a busy day at work?
C I usually go for a walk in the evening — it helps me switch off. I also read quite a bit, mostly non-fiction. It keeps my mind active without feeling like work.
E is the examiner and C the candidate.
Key phrases for IELTS Speaking:
- “I’d say”: a natural opener for an opinion, instead of a robotic “My answer is…”
- “there’s a real sense of satisfaction when”: an extended answer that shows vocabulary range
- “work something out”: a phrasal verb meaning “solve a problem”
- “exposure to”: professional vocabulary for experience of different environments
- “unwind”: relax after a busy or stressful time
- “switch off”: stop thinking about work
Preparing for IELTS Speaking? Read: IELTS Speaking questions for Parts 1, 2 and 3 →
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I use English conversation dialogues for speaking practice?
Read each dialogue aloud, never silently, and take both roles. Practise with a partner if you can, record yourself and listen back. Then use each key phrase in a new sentence of your own, so you can use it flexibly rather than just repeat it.
What are good topics for English speaking practice?
Introductions and small talk, the workplace, opinions, making plans, and dealing with problems or complaints cover most everyday conversations. For IELTS, add work and study, hobbies, technology, the environment and education.
How many dialogues should I practise a day?
One, practised properly, is better than several rushed. Read it several times in both roles, learn the key phrases and use them in your own sentences. Move on when you can say the lines without hesitating.
What is the difference between spoken and written English?
Spoken English uses shorter sentences, contractions (“I’m”, “don’t”), fillers (“well”, “I mean”) and a smaller, more repeated vocabulary. Formal written English avoids contractions and uses more precise vocabulary and stricter structure. These dialogues model natural spoken English.
Can I download these English conversation dialogues as a PDF?
Yes: use your browser’s Print option and choose “Save as PDF” to get a clean copy you can practise with offline.
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