Speaking Skills: Conversational English

ESL Materials: Speaking Skills

Teaching Smartphone Basics

In this lesson, you're going to use English to teach someone how to use a smartphone.

 Conversational English (.pdf)

YouTube: Teaching Smartphone Basics

First, let's look at the whole conversation. I've highlighted the key phrases 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).

 

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