The moment

The flight from Dubai to Singapore is delayed three hours, and the seats at gate C are almost full. Mateo, from São Paulo, finds one next to Bella, who is traveling home to Sydney. They start with a seat and a complaint about the delay, and it turns into a real conversation. Listen for the moment it changes, and for how Bella ends it kindly.

The conversation

MateoBella
  1. Mateo
  2. Bella
  3. Mateo
  4. Bella
  5. Mateo
  6. Bella
  7. Mateo
  8. Bella
  9. Mateo
  10. Bella
  11. Mateo
  12. Bella
  13. Mateo
  14. Bella
  15. Mateo
  16. Bella

Words to know

says yes, you can do it

a short, casual way to say "me too"

so nothing bad happens

thanks someone for useful advice

Check yourself

1When does the talk change from small talk to a real conversation?
2Why does Bella say "Get the small one first"?
3How does Bella end the conversation?

Practice · 3 min

Play each line and repeat it in the gap. Then take Mateo's part with his lines muted. Notice "Oh, really?" on Bella's side. It's the line that turns a short reply into interest. Say it with your voice rising, as if the news is good.

  1. MateoExcuse me, is this seat free?
  2. BellaYes, go ahead. I'll move my bag.
  3. MateoThanks. Three hours late, huh?
  4. BellaI know. I was going to sleep on the plane.
  5. MateoSame. Are you going home, or on vacation?
  6. BellaHome, to Sydney. I change planes in Singapore. You?
  7. MateoSingapore is my stop. It's my first time there.
  8. BellaOh, really? You'll love the food. Have you tried chili crab?
  9. MateoNot yet. Is it very spicy?
  10. BellaA little. Get the small one first, to be safe.
  11. MateoGood tip. Any other ideas for a first visit?
  12. BellaThe night market near my old hotel. It's cheap and great.
  13. MateoI'll write that down. Thanks.
  14. BellaSorry, my phone's almost dead. I need to find a charger.
  15. MateoOf course. Really good to meet you.
  16. BellaYou too. Enjoy Singapore, and good luck with the crab.

Say it today

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