“You give short answers, and then the conversation ends. Want to keep talking like a fluent speaker? There’s one simple trick: always explain why. I’ll show you how to do it — even if your vocabulary isn’t perfect.”
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DEFINITION / EXPLANATION : “WHY”
- Explaining why is essential for fluent English conversation – it helps you express your thoughts clearly and keep conversations flowing naturally.
- Adding reasons to your statements is like building a bridge between you and your listener – it helps them understand your perspective and creates meaningful dialogue.
REASON #1 + 3 EXAMPLES (Why it’s important to explain why)
Reason #1: Creates Natural Conversation Flow
When you explain why, you naturally extend the conversation and give others something to respond to.
Example Set 1: Sharing Food Preferences
- Basic: “I love Italian food.”
- Why it’s not effective: This statement ends the conversation without inviting further discussion.
- STORYBLOCKS VIDEO https://www.storyblocks.com/video/stock/italian-food-concept-various-classic-dishes-347073928
- With reasons: “I love Italian food because the fresh ingredients are always high quality, the cooking methods are simple but effective, and the dishes have the perfect balance of flavors.”
Example Set 2: Discussing Career Choices
- Basic: “I want to become a teacher.”
- Why it’s not effective: This doesn’t share your motivation or passion for teaching.
- STORYBLOCKS VIDEOhttps://www.storyblocks.com/video/stock/crane-shot-of-smiling-teacher-asking-questions-to-kids-in-school-class-clever-schoolchildren-raising-hands-at-lesson-in-classroom-mixed-race-pupils-answering-questions-of-schoolteacher-at-school-sj2fvnxcdkpdjhau2
- With reasons: “I want to become a teacher because I love helping others learn, I enjoy creating engaging lesson plans, and I want to make a positive impact on students’ futures.”
Example Set 3: Expressing Opinions
- Basic: “That movie wasn’t good.”
- Why it’s not effective: This doesn’t explain your perspective or invite discussion.
- STORYBLOCKS VIDEOhttps://www.storyblocks.com/video/stock/beautiful-women-watching-film-in-movie-theater-attractive-girls-eating-popcorn-in-cinema-pretty-female-friends-enjoying-movie-in-dark-hall-b0aqtpacvkhzj9tfe
- With reasons: “I didn’t enjoy the movie because the acting was poor, the storyline was confusing, and the ending made no sense.”
REASON #2 + 3 EXAMPLES (Why it’s important to explain why)
Reason #2: Shows Critical Thinking
Explaining your reasons demonstrates that you’ve thought deeply about your opinions and choices.
Example Set 1: Making Decisions
- Basic: “I chose this university.”
- Why it’s not effective: This doesn’t reveal your decision-making process.
- STORYBLOCKS VIDEOhttps://www.storyblocks.com/video/stock/footage-of-students-with-pens-and-papers-in-a-collage-classroom-during-lecture-352145611
- With reasons: “I chose this university because it has an excellent reputation for research, offers generous scholarships, and is located in a vibrant city with many job opportunities.”
Example Set 2: Lifestyle Choices
- Basic: “I started exercising regularly.”
- Why it’s not effective: This doesn’t share your motivation or goals.
- STORYBLOCKS VIDEOhttps://www.storyblocks.com/video/stock/focused-sportsman-doing-high-jumps-on-place-energetic-athlete-training-in-mountains-sporty-guy-warming-body-before-workout-redhead-man-breathing-deeply-rd6j17gu_knezlfj7
- With reasons: “I started exercising regularly because it boosts my productivity at work, helps me manage my anxiety, and keeps me healthy.”
Example Set 3: Travel Preferences
- Basic: “I prefer traveling in spring.”
- Why it’s not effective: This doesn’t explain your reasoning or preferences.
- STORYBLOCKS VIDEOhttps://www.storyblocks.com/video/stock/flying-trough-spring-trees-sunset-summertime-spring-trees-background-sv7en-1tcin23nsco
- With reasons: “I prefer traveling in spring because flights are cheaper, the temperature is perfect for sightseeing, and you can enjoy seasonal events like cherry blossom festivals.”
REASON #3 + 3 EXAMPLES (Why it’s important to explain why)
Reason #3: Builds Deeper Connections
When you share your reasons, you help others understand your perspective and find common ground.
Example Set 1: Discussing Hobbies
- Basic: “I like playing guitar.”
- Why it’s not effective: This doesn’t reveal your passion or connection to music.
- STORYBLOCKS VIDEOhttps://www.storyblocks.com/video/stock/focused-girl-learning-to-play-guitar-at-home-young-woman-playing-acoustic-guitar-female-musician-sitting-on-couch-with-string-instrument-guitarist-recording-guitar-sound-on-smartphone-r0_bvksodkieeyph1
- With reasons: “I like playing guitar because it helps me relax, I enjoy creating my own music, and it’s a fun way to spend time with friends.”
Example Set 2: Living Preferences
- Basic: “I want to live in the city.”
- Why it’s not effective: This doesn’t explain your lifestyle preferences.
- STORYBLOCKS VIDEOhttps://www.storyblocks.com/video/stock/venice-italy-august-16-2024-busy-pedestrian-alley-in-venice-old-facades-luxury-boutiques-decorative-streetlights-tourists-enjoy-evening-stroll-admiring-warm-reflections-in-glass-storefronts-italian-city-351894594
- With reasons: “I want to live in the city because it’s convenient for shopping and entertainment, there are better job opportunities, and public transportation is easily accessible.”
Example Set 3: Cultural Interests
- Basic: “I’m learning Korean.”
- Why it’s not effective: This doesn’t share your motivation or cultural interests.
- STORYBLOCKS VIDEOhttps://www.storyblocks.com/video/stock/unrecognizable-student-taking-notes-reading-information-online-on-laptop-studying-at-coworking-space-tracking-shot-346883457
- With reasons: “I’m learning Korean because I’m fascinated by Korean cinema, want to understand K-pop lyrics without translations, and plan to visit Seoul next year to experience the culture firsthand.”
STORYTIME
Recording a video for my dad’s 60th birthday when I was in South Korea
Episode Description:
Want to sound more fluent in English? In this episode, we explore a powerful technique that can transform your English speaking skills: explaining why. Learn how this simple yet effective strategy can help you create natural conversations, demonstrate critical thinking, and build deeper connections with others.
Key Points:
- The importance of extending beyond basic statements in conversations
- How explaining ‘why’ creates natural conversation flow and keeps discussions going
- Using reasons to demonstrate critical thinking and decision-making skills
- Building deeper connections through detailed explanations
- Real-world examples covering topics like food preferences, career choices, hobbies, and lifestyle decisions
Featured Examples Include:
- How to discuss food preferences effectively
- Expressing career aspirations with depth
- Sharing opinions about entertainment
- Explaining educational choices
- Discussing lifestyle and travel preferences
Learn More:
FluencyPanion Notebook: https://shop.speakenglishwithtiffani.com/products/fluencypanion-your-english-fluency-notebook
Speak English Like A Native Course: https://speakenglishwithtiffani.com/seln