For 23 October 2023

For 23 October 2023

Hi Susanne,

This little video talks about giving feedback while listening. It’s something native speakers do typically to express surprise at what someone else is saying (like “echt?” in German). There is such a variety of ways that the Irish and the British give active feedback when listening. Sometimes it is a question:

  • Hey I just got a new job
  • Really?
  • We got a new contract with an important client.
  • Are you serious?

Or it often takes the form of a comment to show that you understand:

  • So we would start the project in about 6 weeks on a trial basis.
  • Ok! Right!
  • That means we would pay 3 months in advance.
  • Sure!
  • We would have to hire the staff much earlier in order to give them the proper training they need.
  • I know what you mean!
  • The testing phase can often be underestimated from a difficulty point of view.
  • True!

The most technical ones are the question tags that are used to show interest (and surprise).

  • I went to an excellent seminar.
  • Did you? What was it?
  • I really like to have off-site meetings.
  • Do you? Where do you have in mind.
  • I am a golf player.
  • Are you? Where do you play?
  • It raining like hell.
  • Is it? Hold on. I have an umbrella here.
  • The country manager is visiting us next week.
  • Is she? Right! OK!

We can practise those a little bit in the next session.