These short speaking exercises, designed for Japanese English language learners, allow students to create compelling conversations. This abridged special edition of our culturally-specific 2015 conversation book, Essential Speaking Activities streamlines the communicative techniques used in prior Compelling Conversations books and provides easier access to new Japanese English language learners.Organized within 12 thematic chapters, this revised text helps Japanese ELLs describe their lives, share experiences, and develop critical thinking skills in context. Great for small conversation classes and private tutoring, Essential Speaking Activities highlights six fundamental classroom exercises per chapter to promote authentic conversation. This excerpts should also encourage more English teachers and conversation students to check out the longer, original textbook Compelling Conversations - Japan. Sharing Experiences - A set of 15 topical pair conversation questions that introduce each chapter. Photographs to Start Conversations - A small group activity centered around visual analysis and discussion. Paraphrasing Proverbs - Deepen critical thinking and build paraphrasing skills using sets of proverbs from all over the world. Pronunciation Practice - Improve English pronunciation by focusing on common problem areas unique to Japanese learners of English. Discussing Quotations - Students form and express opinions by evaluating famous English quotations from a variety of cultural and political figures. Search and Share - Students learn to summarize and synthesize information with this topical, research-based internet activity.