Speaking Skills: Conversational English
ESL Materials: Speaking Skills
Learn how to give practical explanations, directions, and technical help in natural English.
Teaching Smartphone Basics
In this lesson, you're going to use English to teach someone how to use a smartphone.
YouTube: Teaching Smartphone Basics
First, let's look at the whole conversation. The key instructional phrases are highlighted in bold.
A: Hi Tomohiro, how's it going?
B: Good, thanks. You?
A: Yeah, not bad. Did you get your new smartphone?
B: Yes, I did, but I'm not sure how to use it.
A: No worries, I can help you with that. What do you need help with first?
B: I want to learn how to send a text message.
A: Okay, let's start with that. First, open the messaging app. Do you see the icon that looks like a speech bubble?
B: Yes, I see it.
A: Great, tap on that icon. Now, do you see a button that says "New Message" or a plus sign?
B: Yes, I see the plus sign.
A: Tap on that. Now you can enter the phone number or the name of the person you want to text.
B: Alright, I've entered the name. What next?
A: Now, type your message in the text field at the bottom of the screen. Once you're done, tap the send button, which looks like an arrow or a paper plane.
B: Okay, I've sent the message. That was easy!
A: Good job! Do you need help with anything else?
B: Yes, how do I take a photo?
A: Open the camera app. The icon looks like a camera. Do you see it?
B: Yes, I found it.
A: Tap on it to open the camera. To take a photo, just press the big circle button at the bottom of the screen.
B: Got it. I took a photo!
A: Nice! If you want to see the photo, tap on the preview in the corner of the screen.
B: Oh, there it is. Thanks! This is really helpful.
A: You're welcome. Anytime you need help, just let me know.
B: I will. Thanks again. Have a good one!
A: You too. See you later!
Useful Phrases
Offering Help:
- No worries, I can help you with that.
- What do you need help with?
Giving Instructions:
- First, [open the app / press the button / etc.].
- Do you see the icon that looks like [description]?
- Tap on that.
- Now, [action].
- Once you're done, [next action].
Checking for Understanding:
- Do you see it?
- Alright, what next?
- Got it? Got it.
Transitioning:
- Do you need help with anything else?
- What else can I help you with?
Reviewing and Offering Further Assistance:
- If you want to [action], [instruction].
- Thanks! This is really helpful.
- You're welcome. Anytime you need help, just let me know.
Prepositions:
- At the top / bottom.
- On the left / right.
- In the corner.
Challenge!
Write out and practise a new conversation teaching someone how to do other things on their smartphone. Here are some ideas:
- Changing the wallpaper.
- Using Google Maps.
- Downloading and installing new apps.
- Making and receiving phone calls.
- Managing contacts (adding, editing, and deleting contacts).
- Using social media apps (e.g., Facebook, Instagram).
MORE:
