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CEFR C1 • Business English

Networking and Small Talk at a Conference: ESL Listening Dialogue (C1)

A C1 English listening dialogue. Two professionals strike up a conversation between sessions and swap contacts. Use it for listening practice, role play or homework, and generate the audio in a US, UK or Australian accent.

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Dialogue Script (2 speakers)

James: Excuse me, is anyone sitting here? Elena: No, go ahead. Grab it before the next session starts. James: Thanks. I'm James, by the way. Elena: Elena. Nice to meet you. Did you catch the keynote this morning? James: I did. I thought it was really thought-provoking, especially the part about data privacy. Elena: Same here, although I felt he skated over the costs. Implementing all that isn't cheap. James: That's a fair point. So what brings you here? Are you in tech? Elena: Sort of. I'm head of operations at a logistics company in Rotterdam. We're trying to automate more of our warehouse processes. James: Interesting. I work for a software firm that builds tools for exactly that kind of thing. Elena: Really? Then perhaps you can tell me why every vendor promises a six-month rollout and it ends up taking two years. James: <laugh> Guilty as charged, I suppose. To be honest, it's usually because companies are under pressure to cut corners on the planning stage. Elena: Well, we're in the same boat. Our board wants results yesterday. James: I'd be happy to share a couple of case studies, with no sales pitch, I promise. Elena: I'll hold you to that. Here's my card. James: Thanks. I'll touch base next week. Enjoy the rest of the conference. Elena: You too.
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Key Vocabulary

to strike up a conversation
To start talking to someone you don't know.
thought-provoking
Making you think seriously.
to cut corners
To do something badly or cheaply to save time or money.
to touch base
To make contact again briefly.
to be in the same boat
To be in the same difficult situation.

Comprehension Questions

  1. What did they think of the keynote talk?
  2. What do Elena and James do for work?
  3. What challenge do they share?
  4. How do they plan to stay in contact?

Tip: after you generate the audio, open its Lesson view for a printable transcript, vocabulary list and quiz with answers.

How to Use It in Class

  • Before listening: pre-teach the key vocabulary and ask students to predict what happens.
  • First listen: students answer the comprehension questions without the script.
  • Second listen: give out the script and have students underline useful phrases.
  • Speaking: pairs role-play the dialogue, then change one detail and improvise.

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