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  4. Kit
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Lesson 12 of 12 · Leading the conversation

Ending well, and how far you've come

A good ending makes people want to talk to you again. And it's time to see your progress.

  • About 20 minutes
  • Chapter 12 of the book
  • Saves on this device
Activity 1 of 5 · Build

Build your exit line

A good exit has three parts: a signal, something warm, and a next step. Build yours.

Exit-line builder

Choose the situation, then add your reason and next step.

✓ Done

A learner's story

Marco, twelve weeks later

Marco · twelve weeks later

Remember Marco and his two-word introduction? Twelve weeks later, he went to a friend's birthday party where he knew only the host.

He introduced himself with a hook, asked how people knew the host, followed up on a story about a terrible holiday, and laughed his way into a group by the kitchen. When it was time to go, he said, “It's been really nice talking to you. I'm going to say goodbye to Laura, but let's get that coffee next week.”

The next day he sent a short message. They met for coffee on Thursday. His English was a little better than in week one. His conversations were completely different.

Activity 2 of 5 · Message

The follow-up message

A short message the next day turns a good conversation into a connection. Build one.

Follow-up composer

Keep it to two or three lines.

✓ Done

Say it

Phrase box

Useful phrases from this chapter. Anything that isn't British English is labelled.

Signal the end

  • Anyway, I'd better let you go.
  • Right, I should get going.
  • I'll let you get back to it.

Say something warm

  • It's been really lovely talking to you.
  • I'm so glad we met.
  • Thanks, that was really interesting.

Plan the next time

  • Let's get that coffee.
  • See you at the next class!
  • I'll send you that link.
Activity 3 of 5 · Check

Your before-and-after check

Take the Conversation Check again. If you took it at the start on this device, you'll see how far you've come.

Conversation Check

Answer for how you are now.

✓ Done

Activity 4 of 5 · Kit

Your finished Conversation Kit

Everything you've built over twelve weeks, on one page. Print it, or read it before your next party, meeting or event.

My Conversation Kit

Anything missing? Go back to that lesson and add it.

✓ Done

The research

In a 2021 study, Adam Mastroianni and colleagues found that conversations almost never end when both people want them to. Most people would have liked their conversation to be shorter or longer. A clear, warm exit line isn't rude. It helps both of you.

Activity 5 of 5 · Certificate

Your certificate

You've done the work. Add your name and print your certificate.

Certificate of completion

It shows how many of the twelve lessons you finished in full.

✓ Done

Before you move on

Three questions

5 activities to go

Finish all five activities to complete Lesson 12. Your progress saves on this device, and finished lessons are marked on the lessons page.

What to remember

Five things to keep

Your answers and progress stay on this device. Nothing is sent anywhere.