Introduction 1
1. Greetings and Introductions 4
2. Partings 20
3. Opening and Closing a Conversation 32
4. Gratitude and Thanks 46
5. Invitations 58
6. Offering Help 70
7. Advice and Suggestions 83
8. Apologies and Excuses 96
9. Seeking and Giving Information 108
10. Permission 123
11. Agreement and Disagreement 136
12. Compliments and Congratulations 150
13. Complaints and Criticism 162
14. Sympathy and Consolation 175
15. Hopes and Wishes 188
16. Requests 201
17. Persuasion 215
18. Cautions and Warnings 227
19. Future Plans and Intentions 238
20. Likes, Dislikes and Preferences 252
21. Defence and Denial 266
22. Certainty, Uncertainty and Doubts 277
23. Surprises 288
24. Worries 301
25. Disappointment and Regret 314
26. Anger and Annoyance 326
27. Hiding One’s Feelings 337
28. Describing 348
29. Narrating 366
30. Verbal Techniques 380