Speaking practice – French conversation starters you should know

Improving your French speaking skills is crucial to becoming fluent in the language.

One of the best ways to enhance your conversational abilities is to practice with native speakers or fellow learners. However, it can sometimes be challenging to come up with interesting and engaging topics to discuss. To help you break the ice and spark meaningful conversations, here are ten conversation starters for French speaking practice.

1. Travel

Travel is a popular conversation topic in any language, and discussing it in French can help you learn essential vocabulary and phrases. Share your travel experiences, talk about your dream destinations, or exchange travel tips with your conversation partner. You can also discuss the cultural aspects of different countries, famous landmarks, and travel-related anecdotes.

Example questions:

• Quel est ton pays préféré que tu as visité ? (What is your favorite country that you have visited?)
• Où aimerais-tu voyager à l’avenir ? (Where would you like to travel in the future?)
• Quels sont les endroits incontournables de ta région ? (What are the must-see places in your area?)

2. Food and Cuisine

Food is a universally appealing topic, and discussing French cuisine offers an opportunity to learn about regional dishes, ingredients, and cooking techniques. Talk about your favorite French dishes, compare traditional recipes, or discuss the best places to eat in your city.

Example questions:

• Quel est ton plat français préféré ? (What is your favorite French dish?)
• As-tu des recettes françaises que tu aimes cuisiner ? (Do you have any French recipes that you enjoy cooking?)
• Peux-tu me recommander un bon restaurant français dans ta ville ? (Can you recommend a good French restaurant in your city?)

3. Hobbies and Interests

Sharing your hobbies and interests is an excellent way to connect with your conversation partner and expand your French vocabulary. Discuss your favorite pastimes, such as sports, music, art, or literature, and learn new phrases related to these topics.

Example questions:

• Quels sont tes passe-temps préférés ? (What are your favorite hobbies?)
• Quelle est ta musique française préférée ? (What is your favorite French music?)
• Quel est le dernier livre français que tu as lu ? (What is the last French book you read?)

4. Movies and Television

Discussing movies and television shows is a fun way to practice your French speaking skills. Share your favorite French films or TV series, discuss famous actors and directors, or chat about current releases.

Example questions:

• Quel est ton film français préféré ? (What is your favorite French film?)
• Peux-tu me recommander une série française à regarder ? (Can you recommend a French TV series to watch?)
• Quel est ton acteur/actrice français(e) préféré(e) ? (Who is your favorite French actor/actress?)

5. Current Events

Discussing current events can lead to thought-provoking conversations and help you learn new vocabulary related to politics, the environment, and social issues. Choose a topic that interests both you and your conversation partner, and be open to listening and learning from each other’s perspectives.

Example questions:

• Que penses-tu de la situation politique actuelle en France ? (What do you think of the current political situation in France?)
• Quel est ton avis sur les questions environnementales ? (What is your opinion on environmental issues?)
• Comment la pandémie a-t-elle affecté la vie en France ? (How has the pandemic affected life in France?)

Conclusion

Practicing French through engaging conversations is a fantastic way to improve your speaking skills and build confidence in your language abilities. By discussing interesting and diverse topics, you will not only expand your vocabulary but also develop a deeper understanding of French culture and society. Remember, the key to successful language learning is consistent practice, so don’t be afraid to initiate conversations and keep the dialogue flowing. With time, your speaking abilities will flourish, and you’ll be one step closer to French fluency.