When you need this

You're at a café in London with a friend, and someone interesting walks in. Maybe it's the cute person from the bookstore, maybe someone you think you recognize, maybe someone your friend has been talking about for weeks. The conversation that follows is quiet, quick and a little funny.

Talking about people in public has one golden rule: they can probably hear you. So the language is soft and indirect. "Don't look now" really means "look, but carefully." People lower their voices, keep comments kind, and change the subject if the person comes closer. And if your friend wants to say hello, your job is to encourage them, not to make a scene.

Phrases

look carefully, without being obvious

stop looking so long; it's rude

speak more quietly

you think you've seen him before

you think you recognize someone

you think someone has noticed you

asking for courage or advice

do it; I support you

a kind first impression

you want to be polite

it's not a good moment to approach

behave normally, as if nothing is happening

Say it out loud

Tap a sentence to hear it. Say it after the voice.

Practice · 3 min

Say it quietly to your friend.

  1. 1
  2. 2
  3. 3
  4. 4
  5. 5

Say it today

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