Phrases
Openers: Excuse Me …
Most often a conversation begins with a simple question, a request for information, or a comment about the weather or surroundings. Depending on the person you’re talking to and the situation you’re in—is the situation formal or casual, is the person close to your age—there are two approaches you can take.
The
indirect approach is a polite and unobtrusive way to test the waters in case the other person isn’t interested in talking at length:
May / could I borrow your newspaper / magazine / the salt and pepper?
Could you tell me if this is where the plane leaves for Houston?
Would you happen to know a good restaurant / a nice hotel?
I was wondering if you’re from around here. This is my first visit to London.
Sorry to bother you, but is this seat taken / is anyone sitting here?
Would you mind telling me where you got that book?
Could I trouble / bother you for change? I don’t seem to have any quarters.
You wouldn’t happen to know if there’s a café / a bank / a grocery store near here?
The
direct approach takes the initiative in a friendly, open manner:
Excuse me, do you have the time?
This is a great hotel, isn’t it?