In Conversation

Well, it´s time for the oral exams in school, so all the students are stressed; I always enjoyed the adrenaline rush, but I guess that´s just me!

In a conversation, whether in an exam or in the bar - and not just in Spanish, I´ve seen many pub conversations in English running along these lines - the important thing is not necessarily to fully understand and answer everything the person you´re talking to is saying. In fact, in the past I have gone so far as to actually switch off and stop listening so as to be able to form a sensible sentence in my head. Once you´ve generally identified what the topic of conversation is, just say something relevant to the general area and relax while everyone is very impressed with your Spanish and the conversation moves off in the (possibly new) direction that you´ve taken!!

Here´s an example of how this might work:

A - So, yeah when the new prime minister came in, well we all thought.. blah blah... need more jobs, don´t we? blah blah...
B - Yes, our prime minister at home is terrible

(here a typical Spanish gentleman will take great delight in telling you why you are right or wrong!)

A - waffle blah... you are all very lucky. Our politicians... blah blah...
B - Unemployment is terrible at home.
A- Humph, don´t tell me about unemployment...

ok, it´s possibly not quite as satisfying as fully understanding everything, but that will come with time. The point is that the conversation has now become a game that you can participate in rather that something you´re excluded from!

Good luck!