Words to know

look or act like an older family member

have a friendly relationship with someone

have a strong, warm relationship with someone

Step 1 of 5

Listen first

No text yet. Listen for who, where and what goes wrong.

ArjunEmma

Practice · 3 min

Take Arjun's part first, then Emma's. Arjun is nervous and repeats names to lock them in; Emma is patient until "Oh, this is hopeless." Keep the names clear and a little slower, as if you're memorizing them too.

  1. ArjunOkay, before we go in, tell me about your family one more time.
  2. EmmaArjun, we've done this three times. You'll be fine.
  3. ArjunThere are nineteen people inside, and I've met exactly two of them.
  4. EmmaFine. My mom, Linda. My dad, Frank. You met them at graduation.
  5. ArjunLinda and Frank. Got it. And your sister is... Rachel?
  6. EmmaRebecca. Rachel is my aunt, Dad's sister. She takes after Grandma.
  7. ArjunMeaning what?
  8. EmmaMeaning she'll ask about your salary before dessert.
  9. ArjunGreat. And who do you get along with best?
  10. EmmaUncle Joe. We're really close. He taught me to fish.
  11. ArjunJoe is married to Rachel?
  12. EmmaNo, Joe is Mom's brother. Rachel is married to Pete. Oh, this is hopeless.
  13. ArjunMaybe it's time for a drawing. Do you have a pen?
  14. EmmaHere. I'll draw the whole tree on this napkin. Mom's side on the left.
  15. ArjunThis is so much better. Rebecca, Rachel, Pete, Joe. And who's Biscuit?
  16. EmmaBiscuit is the dog. Say hello to him first. It'll make Grandma happy.
  17. ArjunThat's the best advice you've given me all day.
  18. EmmaKeep the napkin in your pocket. Now come on, they're waiting.

Say it today

Use it once in a real conversation before tomorrow. Out loud counts, even to yourself.