The moment

Mateo and Aiko are coworkers in Singapore. On Friday afternoon, Aiko carries a heavy bag of clay out of the office. Mateo guesses wrong about what it's for. Listen to how he fixes his mistake and ends up with an invitation.

The conversation

MateoAiko
  1. Mateo
  2. Aiko
  3. Mateo
  4. Aiko
  5. Mateo
  6. Aiko
  7. Mateo
  8. Aiko
  9. Mateo
  10. Aiko
  11. Mateo
  12. Aiko

Words to know

asks who or what something is meant for

a friendly, casual question about skill

I did it many times before it worked

add your name for the next open place

Check yourself

1What mistake does Mateo make at first?
2How did Aiko start doing pottery?
3Why can't Mateo join the class right away?

Practice · 4 min

Round one: repeat every line. Round two: mute Mateo and answer as Aiko, but talk about your own hobby. Round three: mute Aiko and ask Mateo's questions. "How did you get into that?" should sound curious, so let your voice go up on "into."

  1. MateoThat bag looks heavy. What's in it?
  2. AikoClay. I do pottery on Friday nights.
  3. MateoPottery? Is it for your kids?
  4. AikoNo, it's for me. I've done it for three years.
  5. MateoOh, sorry. How did you get into that?
  6. AikoMy aunt makes bowls in Kyoto. I tried it on a visit.
  7. MateoAre you any good?
  8. AikoI'm OK. This mug on my desk is mine.
  9. MateoWait, you made that? It looks like a shop mug.
  10. AikoThanks. It took me six tries.
  11. MateoI'd love to try that. Can I come sometime?
  12. AikoThe class is full, but I can put you on the list.

Say it today

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