We are all experts

Think of something you are really good at, or really interested in – perhaps a hobby, a skill, or even an area of knowledge.

Imagine you have just met someone who is interested in learning more about it.

You learn best when you try to teach

Give an overview first (general introduction), then describe your hobby/skill/knowledge in detail.

If you can find someone to ask you questions, all the better!

If you are using this topic in a conversation class, set a time limit of 15-20 minutes for pairs to discuss their expert interests, then change partners.

I’ve been getting deep into DSLR photography, after upgrading from my old Powershot point and shoot, in order to do some professional photo shoots. So I’ve been writing about my equipment and processes - I don’t feel at all like an expert, but there will always be some people who will benefit from my advice.

Explain the rules of a game

Explain the rules of one sport that you enjoy playing and/or watching. Try to make your explanations both interesting and easy to understand.

Related conversation prompts

• Why do you like this sport?
• Have you played it yourself?
• Who are your favourite players?
• When did you start watching / playing the sport?

Giving general advice

Even if we aren’t experts, we can give advice to people based on our logical minds, or past experiences.

Give advice to these people who are in trouble. What would you do if you were them?

For example: If I were you, …. Or, If I was Stacy, ….

• Stacy has just $30 to spend on groceries this week.
• John’s house floods every time it rains heavily.
• Christine lives in a bushfire prone area and it’s going to be a hot, windy summer.
• Wes found $10,000 in a plain sports bag, abandoned in the park.
• Jacky always feels cold.
• Bob catches every virus that comes his way.
• Matthew wants to improve his writing skills.

In 2009, several bushfires were close to my house – this one I evacuated from with the cats, my computer and camera – the important things.

Running a country

We all like to complain about politicians and point out how badly our countries are being run. So, let’s turn this into an exercise. If you were able run the government of your own country, what would it be like?

• How would you change the laws, the taxes, the military, as well as the education and health systems?
• What would you keep as government-run public facilities or utilities, and what would you make private?
• What would your government look like? How many politicians (if any)? How would decisions be made?
• How would you keep your citizens happy?

I think the last question is one of the most difficult to answer, and potentially the most controversial!