Hey there! This is TOP episode 304. How to Be the Person Everyone Loves to Talk To in English
You read English. You understand English. You’ve been learning for years, but when it’s time to speak—your mind just freezes, and the words don’t come out. If that sounds familiar, you’re not alone. I’ve been exactly where you are. I’m Ola Mierniczak, and this is the Teacher Ola Podcast. I’m here to help you finally speak out loud—the words, the ideas, the English that have been stuck in your head for too long. This isn’t about perfect grammar or fancy vocabulary. This is about your voice. Your words. Your real English.
Hey everyone, welcome back to Teacher Ola Podcast. Today we’re talking about something every English learner needs: how to keep a conversation flowing, even when your brain wants to freeze. I’ll share simple, natural follow-up questions and reactions that make people want to keep talking, and make you feel more comfortable joining in.
And if you’ve ever wanted a safe, supportive space to practice these strategies, connect with others, and finally use the English you’ve been keeping in your head, my 12-week Say It Out Loud program is designed exactly for that. If you’ve been waiting for a new edition, here it comes! We start this journey on the 11th September, you can sign up now at teacherola.com/kurs.
And now, let’s dive into today’s tips and make your English feel comfortable and fun AND make you unforgettable!
ONE. Clarifying
You know that little moment when someone says something and your brain goes, “Wait… what?”
Most learners panic right there. They just nod along, fake a smile, hope nobody notices.
But here’s the truth, that’s actually the sweet spot. That’s where the good stuff begins.
If you stop and say, “What do you mean exactly?” or, “How come?” you’re not showing weakness. You’re showing presence. You’re telling the other person: I’m with you. I care. I want to get it right.
And here’s the kicker — people love that. They love explaining themselves. It makes them feel like their thoughts matter. That’s when a conversation stops being shallow and starts feeling real.
So never pretend you understand if you don’t. Be brave to ask for details and think about what I’ve just said. Nobody will judge you negatively for not understanding firsthand. They will be shocked that you are truly interested in them! Think about it! People don’t have time for others, everybody cares about their own lives. Show them some interest and they will love you.
TWO. Showing Interest and Surprise
You know what most people don’t realize?
A good conversation isn’t really about the words. It’s about how you react.
Think about it — if someone tells you a story and you just sit there, nodding, it falls flat. But if you go, “No way!” or “You’re kidding!” suddenly there’s life. That little spark makes people want to keep going. It’s not fluff. It’s fuel.
And here’s the best part: you don’t have to be the funny one, or the clever one. You just have to care enough to react. That’s it. That’s what makes the other person feel like, “Oh, they’re actually with me right now.”
Because people don’t just want someone who listens with their ears. They want someone who listens with their feelings.
Picture this: you’re at a party, someone drops something wild in conversation, and you just go, “Wait—seriously?” Boom. Right there, you’ve given them that moment of being seen. You’ve made it real.
So yeah. Don’t overthink it. Be the human who reacts. That’s the stuff that makes conversations come alive.
THREE. Asking for Details
You know why so many conversations just fizzle out?
It’s not grammar. It’s not vocabulary. It’s because people stop asking.
Think about it — someone says, “Oh, I had an amazing weekend.” And what do most of us do? We smile. We nod. Maybe we throw in a safe, boring: “Oh really? What did you do?” End of story.
But… imagine you actually leaned in and said: “Oh wow, what exactly did you do?” Or: “Who were you with?” Or even better: “What was the best part?”
See the difference? You’re not just filling silence. You’re opening a door. Suddenly, they’re sharing little details, stories, bits of their world that they usually keep locked up because no one bothers to ask.
FOUR. Turning it Back to Them
Here’s the move that looks almost too simple — but it’s pure genius.
You don’t have to carry the whole conversation.
All you do is drop a: “And you?” or “What about you?” And suddenly, boom — spotlight’s on them. They feel seen. They feel important. And you? You get to take a breather.
The best part? They’ll walk away thinking you were so good at conversation. Like, “Wow, they’re such a great talker.” When in reality? You just asked a couple of follow-ups and let them do the heavy lifting. That’s it.
Now it’s your turn to practice. Listen carefully and repeat out loud. But remember, repeating sentences alone can only get you so far. The real magic happens when you take a brave step and actually use these phrases with other people. Show up, react, ask questions, and let the conversation flow. That’s how you make English alive. Are you ready? Let’s go!
What do you mean exactly?
How come?
People love it when you make them explain themselves.
No way!
Wait, seriously?
That’s how you make English alive.
Oh wow, what exactly did you do?
Who were you with?
And you?
What about you?
Alright, before we wrap up, just a quick but important reminder.
Today, we explored how to keep conversations alive: how to clarify, react, ask for details, and turn it back to the other person. Remember, you don’t need to have the perfect words ready or control every twist in a chat. You need to start trusting yourself. Play the game! It is a game, and it is supposed to be fun. Trust the game because if you play the game, If you seek for the clues that is you speak, you practice speaking: there you go! You’re reached your goal, 100%!
And if you’re ready for a safe, supportive space to actually practice these skills and play with English in real conversations, join my 12-week speaking program Say It Out Loud. It’s designed to help you use the English you’ve been keeping in your head, build real connections, and finally speak your words, find your voice. Go to teacherola.com/kurs and apply today. The course starts on 11 September 2025. Teacherola.com/kurs.
And don’t forget your free worksheet for this episode, download it at teacherola.com/304. That’s it for today. I believe in you. I know, and you know, that you can speak English. All you need is practice and real connection.
Stay fearless, take care, and say it out loud. I’m your Teacher Ola, and this was the Teacher Ola Podcast. Bye for now!