Speaking Partner Conversation Topics Conducting Your Weekly Meetings Be friendly and respectful. Remember that for some of you this may be one of your first encounters with persons from unfamiliar cultures. While cultural expectations and norms may conflict, everyone responds positively to a helpful and courteous attitude.
American participants are the facilitators and listeners.
Their role is to keep conversations going by asking questions about the week's topic. Generally, corrections should be made only if it interferes with understanding. International participants should do most of the talking. This is very important to remember. International students should try to come to each meeting with a list of words, phrases, gestures, etc. that they find difficult, or do not understand.