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Talking about what you do in English (advanced)

Advanced English for talking about what you do. Key line: “So, what *line* of *work* are you in *these* days?”

Full script

LinSo, what line of work are you in these days?
ThemI'm a sound designer for indie films, so I basically chase weird noises.
LinNo way—that sounds fun. I teach Chinese, which is mostly glamorous whiteboard warfare.
ThemHonestly, that beats recording celery just to fake footsteps in snow.
LinWait, celery? Okay, my classes feel dramatic, but not vegetable dramatic.
ThemYep, and coconuts still do horses, which is great until lunch gets confusing.
LinFair enough—if teaching ever falls through, I'll bring carrots and call myself Foley.
ThemDeal, but if you crunch on cue, I'll hire you before dessert.

Key phrases

The lines worth keeping. Read them once before you go out.

field

✓ What line of work are you in these days?

Ask about their work now

More natural than "What do you do?"

sounds

✓ That sounds fun.

A friendly positive reaction

Easy reply to keep talking

fair

✓ Fair enough.

You accept their point

Common for accepting a point

fails

✓ If teaching ever falls through...

If teaching doesn't work out...

falls through = does not happen

Quick answers

field: what to say in English

Say “What line of work are you in these days?” — ask about their work now. More natural than "What do you do?".

sounds: what to say in English

Say “That sounds fun.” — a friendly positive reaction. Easy reply to keep talking.

fair: what to say in English

Say “Fair enough.” — you accept their point. Common for accepting a point.

fails: what to say in English

Say “If teaching ever falls through...” — if teaching doesn't work out. falls through = does not happen.

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