Do you often find it hard to start remote calls?
Today, Lindsay and Michelle share how you can express yourself at work on a virtual call.
Listen in for their tips and tricks for clear communication.
Working around the world
Michelle asks Lindsay about having a team that is spread out across the world.
The All Ears English team is not just in the U.S. but all over the world.
Lindsay shares that she loves connecting with team members from different places.
In today’s episode, Michelle and Lindsay will discuss how you can ask someone where they are.
This is extremely useful, especially in this day and age.
People can have teams all over the world.
Sometimes, we have to find out where someone is.
If they are a potential client you may want to learn where they are based.
This can be a very good opportunity for small talk.
You can also use this to make sure you sync up well with time zones.
Let’s talk location
Lindsay and Michelle talk about different ways to ask where someone lives or is from.
These are more interesting than just “where do you live?”
This is a very important skill for building connections at work.
Nowadays, even if your company isn’t fully remote, you’re likely to interact with people from different parts of the world, as international communication has become the norm.
These are professional and interesting ways you can ask someone where they are.
We’ll also share a mini roleplay to help you better understand each phrase.
#1: Where are you based?
This is pretty common.
You will usually hear this being used at work as it sounds very professional.
Roleplay:
Lindsay: Nice to meet you!
Michelle: You too! So where are you based?
Lindsay: I’m in the San Francisco office.
#2: Where are you located?
Similar to asking where someone is based, this is very professional as well.
You can use this when talking to an international client or with someone who is working remotely.
Roleplay:
Michelle: I’m glad we are connecting!
Lindsay: Me too. Where are you located?
Michelle: I’m in Miami. You?
Lindsay: I work in the LA office.
Michelle: Nice.
#3: Where are you working from?
You can use this to know if someone works from home or an office.
“Which location are you working from” is used often when a company has multiple offices.
Roleplay:
Michelle: How have you been? I see you’re not in your regular office!
Lindsay: I’m good, thanks! Yes, I am traveling so not at my home base.
Michelle: Nice. Which location are you working from?
Lindsay: I’m in the Boston office.
Michelle: Oh nice, they have a great spot there.
Lindsay: Definitely.
#4: What city are you in?
This is used for a more general approach.
It still sounds professional but this can also be used in casual conversations.
Roleplay:
Lindsay: Wow the view behind you looks beautiful!
Michelle: Oh thanks, I love it here.
Lindsay: What city are you in ?
Michelle: I’m in Phoenix.
Lindsay: Nice.
All these are great for Zoom, over the phone, or even when you are talking face-to-face.
They are very professional and useful and good for connection because then you can comment on their location.
Takeaway
In today’s global work environment, knowing how to start a conversation on a remote call is an essential communication skill.
Asking about someone’s location by using natural and professional phrases like “Where are you based?” or “Where are you located?” does more than just gather information.
It helps break the ice, creates opportunities for small talk, and shows genuine interest in the other person.
These simple questions can lead to deeper connections by opening up conversations about culture, daily life, and work environments.
Expanding your vocabulary can help you sound more natural, confident, and professional in English.
Ultimately, mastering these small conversation starters can make your remote interactions smoother, more engaging, and more effective.
You can check out other episodes that can help you improve your English fluency, like episode BE 537: Perfect This Word Stress For Perfect English Pronunciation
What are other ways you start a conversation in English?
Share it with us in the comments below.
