Chatting to Strangers

I was always told never to talk to strangers, but if you are careful, chatting to strangers online can be a good way to practice your English.


First, things you should never tell someone online are:

• Your address
• Your telephone number
• Never agree to meet with someone you have met online

When using an online chat site to practice your English, it might be better to invent a fictional personality to use. The chat site that we are going to use for today's activity is called Omegle and it allows you to chat anonymously in English with a total stranger.

Task:

• Before you go to the chat site, decide what information you would like to share and what you would like to know. It is good to think of a few things before you start as it can sometimes be difficult to get conversations started.
• Things you could discuss are;
  Sport
  The culture of the country
  The weather
  A good film you have seen recently
  Taste in music or art
  Jobs or studies
• It's good idea to have a few questions prepared on any of the topics you want to talk about.
• The information you share doesn't have to be true, but if you use your own experiences, you are more likely to have things to say.
• When you have 6 or 7 questions ready got to: http://omegle.com/ and click the 'Start a chat' button.
  

• One of the first things you may be asked is; "asl?" which means age, sex (Are you male or female?), and location.
• Remember: You don't have to be honest about these and never give anyone your exact location, a country or town should be enough to get conversation started.
  

• If at any time you feel uncomfortable with the person you are chatting with or if they ask questions you don't like, simply click on 'Disconnect' and you can start a new conversation with someone else.
• It might take a few attempts to get a conversation going, but don't be discouraged. It's all good practice.
  

Well I hope you have a good chat and find somethings out about other countries and cultures.

Related links for teachers:

• AI and Chat Bots for EFL ESL
• Sending Bubble Joy to your EFL / ESL Students
  
• Video conferencing for EFL
• A Virtual World for Facebook Users
• Make your own chat room

Best

Nik Peachey