How do you spell that? Conversation game

What day are you free? The zoo director, the childcare executive, and the astronaut meet for lunch. Image via Wikipedia

You haven’t really arrived in an English-speaking country until somebody spells your name wrong. Everything has an alternate spelling. Play this conversation game to practice one of the language’s most useful phrases: How do you spell that?

This game practices the letters of the alphabet, spelling, days of the week, and conversational phrases for meeting and setting up a date.  It can be used to practice telephone conversations as well.  This activity is best with 3 or more people, but it can be modified for two people also.

1. Warm up: The Alphabet

With your teacher or conversation partner, review the letters of the alphabet.  Spell your name and your partners’ names. Hangman is also a great game to practice spelling.

2. Preparation: Create an identity

On a piece of paper, write down the following:

Name:

Job title:

Company:

Three days of the week you’re free:

This information can be true about you, or you can invent a new identity.

3. Make a date

Walk around the room and “meet” a few of your classmates.  Your object is to set up dates with at least two people to talk about something related to one of your companies.  Ask your partner where they work and what they do.  Then, set up a date, making sure to write down the details on a piece of paper.  Ask your partner to spell his or her name and the name of his or her company.  Then suggest a date and time to meet.  Remember, you can only schedule a date for a day when you are both free.  See who in your class can set up the most dates with the most people.

4. Modification: Telephoning

You can also use this game to practice telephone conversations.  Put two chairs back to back so you and your partner can’t see each other, because you won’t be able to see the person you call on the phone.  In your conversation, include telephone phrases like “May I speak to…?” and “Would you like to leave a message?”

Conversation objectives: practice the alphabet, practice taking notes, practice telephone etiquette, ask and answer questions
Ideal group size: At least two people for a short game; at least six people for a longer game
For more general conversation topics, click here.  For more conversation games, click here.