Everyone communicates differently, which makes this topic rich for discussion. These questions explore how we share information, deal with misunderstandings, and adapt our communication style to different situations.
Questions are organized by level from beginner to advanced. A printable PDF of all the questions is available at the bottom of the page.
Beginner (A1-A2)
- What do you usually talk about with your family?
- What emojis do you use the most? What do they mean?
- What do you usually do when you don’t understand someone? (Ask again, use a dictionary, use gestures, etc.)
- How often do you video call someone? Who do you call?
- What language do you use when you talk to your family? Is it different from the language you use at work or school?
- Do you listen to podcasts or the radio? What kind do you like?
- Do you prefer to call people or send them a message? Why?
- Who do you talk to every day? What do you talk about?
- How do you keep in touch with friends who live far away?
- Do you like talking on the phone? Why or why not?
- Do you write messages to your family during the day? What kind of things do you send?
Elementary (A2)
- How often do you start up a conversation with people you don’t know? What do you usually talk about?
- What is the most basic form of communication? Why do you think so?
- What are some ways people communicate without using words?
- What gestures or facial expressions mean different things in different cultures? Give me some examples.
- Name at least 10 forms of communication.
- Who do you text the most? Why?
- Who is the easiest person to talk to in your life? What makes them easy to talk to?
- How do you say hello to different people? (Friends, family, coworkers, strangers, etc.)
- Do you send voice messages to people? What do you like or not like about them?
- Where do you have your best conversations? Why do you like that place?
- Have you ever had trouble explaining something in English? What happened?
- What’s the hardest thing to talk about with your parents? Why is it hard?
- Have you ever sent a message to the wrong person? What did you do?
- What subjects are easy to talk about with strangers? What subjects are difficult?
- Have you ever used hand gestures to communicate when you didn’t know the right words? What were you trying to say?
- What’s the funniest miscommunication you’ve ever had? What happened?
Intermediate (B1)
- Do you think people can communicate with ghosts and spirits? Why or why not?
- It used to be common to talk to strangers. Do you think it’s okay to talk to people you don’t know? Why or why not?
- Think about how a grandmother or a grandfather talks with people. Is it the same as how you talk to people?
- Do you prefer to communicate through speaking or texting? Why?
- How can you communicate respectfully during a disagreement?
- Do you find it easy or difficult to communicate your feelings? Why?
- How can coworkers improve communication with each other?
- How can you communicate with someone who speaks a different language?
- What are some common communication problems in relationships?
- What is something you’ve learned about communication that helps you get along with people?
- What makes a conversation boring?
- Are you a good listener? What makes someone a good listener?
- Do you think people are becoming too dependent on their phones for communication? Why or why not?
- What are some signs that someone is not being honest in a conversation?
- Do you think learning another language changes the way you communicate? How so?
- Should schools teach students how to give presentations and speak in public? Why or why not?
- If you could only communicate one way for the rest of your life, speaking, writing, or signing, which would you choose? Why?
- What do you think is the best way to apologize when you’ve hurt someone’s feelings? Give me some examples.
- Is it easier to share bad news in person or through a message? What’s the difference?
- When someone gives you feedback or criticism, how do you usually respond? What makes it easier or harder to accept?
Upper-Intermediate (B2)
- How is communication changing between people?
- Use your imagination. How will people communicate in the future?
- How have smart phones changed communication?
- What do you think was the most important invention in the history of communication? Why?
- What are some positive and negative ways the internet has changed communication?
- How does the tone of your voice impact communication?
- How does music communicate ideas?
- How can social media be used positively for communication?
- What communication skills are important for leaders?
- How might cultural differences lead to miscommunication?
- Why do older and younger generations sometimes struggle to understand each other? Give me some examples.
- When is silence or nonverbal communication preferable to spoken words?
- What are some ways color communicates meaning in design?
- Some people are very direct and others are more indirect when they communicate. Which style do you prefer? What are the downsides of each?
- What are the advantages and disadvantages of working in a place where everyone communicates through messaging apps instead of talking?
- Compare how people communicate in job interviews versus how they communicate with friends. What are the key differences?
- How has the expectation to respond quickly to messages changed people’s stress levels and work-life balance?
- How does the way politicians communicate with the public shape what people believe? Can you think of any examples?
- Why do rumors and misinformation spread so quickly, and what makes them so hard to correct?
Advanced (C1)
- How does visual art communicate complex ideas nonverbally?
- When companies use chatbots instead of real people for customer service, what gets lost in the communication? What does this reveal about what makes human communication valuable?
- How does the shift from letter-writing to instant messaging change not just the speed of communication, but the depth and thoughtfulness of what we communicate?
- Why do people often find it easier to share personal problems with strangers online than with people they know in real life? What does this say about intimacy and anonymity?
- When someone says ‘I’m fine’ but their tone and body language suggest otherwise, what unspoken rules of communication are at play? Why do people communicate indirectly like this?
- How do algorithms and social media feeds shape the way people discover ideas and form opinions, compared to how people got their information a generation ago?
- When someone uses very simple language to explain a complex topic, they make it more accessible, but they also lose nuance. Where should we draw the line between clarity and accuracy?
- In many countries, people switch between languages or dialects depending on who they’re talking to. What does this code-switching reveal about power, identity, and belonging?
- Governments and companies often use carefully chosen language to influence how people feel about policies or products. How does this kind of strategic communication affect trust in public institutions?
- How has the ability to communicate instantly with anyone in the world changed the way protest movements organize and succeed, compared to movements in the past?
- How do workplace hierarchies shape who gets heard and who stays silent in meetings and group discussions? What role does communication style play in career advancement?