Bringing Together People Who Might Never Otherwise Meet
Some of the best conversations happen between people who might never otherwise have met.
Since 2012, the South Denver English Conversation Group has brought together adults from around the world for free, weekly, live conversation. The group originally met near the University of Denver. Today it meets in Lone Tree, Colorado, where it is also known as the Lone Tree English Conversation Group.
What Happens at the Group?
There are no predetermined topics. It’s free-flowing conversation.
People ask questions, share experiences, compare cultures, tell stories and sometimes just listen. A question about a word can turn into a conversation about work, food, customs, sports, relationships—or something none of us expected when we walked in.
You can ask almost anything. In all the years we’ve been meeting, there have been very few times Theresa has had to say, “No, we’re not going to talk about that.”
And there is a lot of laughter. A lot. The group doesn’t take itself too seriously. Conversations can be thoughtful one minute and silly the next. We laugh at our mistakes—and sometimes at ourselves. Over time, people who might never otherwise have met have formed genuine friendships.
People sometimes ask Theresa why she has continued doing this every week for so many years. Her answer is simple: “Because I learn something new every week from the people who attend.”
There is an important distinction: this is a conversation, not a debate. We aren’t there to change anyone’s opinions. That doesn’t mean politics, religion or other sensitive subjects are off-limits. They can lead to some fascinating conversations when people are interested in understanding different perspectives rather than changing them.
We will, however, avoid a discussion that could put another attendee—or someone connected to them—at risk in their home country. In an international group, we never really know who may be listening or who could be affected.
This Is Not a Class
The point isn’t to listen to Theresa talk. The point is for everyone to talk.
The group meets from 6:30–8:30, but it isn’t a two-hour commitment. People come and go as their schedules permit. Think of it more like a social event than a class.
There may be one conversation or several happening around the room. Even at the same table, smaller conversations naturally develop. As more people arrive, the group simply splits into additional conversations. There is no assigned seating and no structured rotation. If the conversation where you’re sitting isn’t for you, move and see what someone else is talking about.
One of the interesting things about the group is the mix. There are usually people attending for the first time, people who come regularly and someone we haven’t seen for a while. That mix keeps the conversations—and the group itself—changing from week to week.
Talk a lot. Talk a little. Sometimes just listen. The point is to be part of real conversation.
What Attendees Say
4.9 out of 5 average event rating on Meetup.com
Attendees have described the group as welcoming, safe and engaging, and as a place to meet new people.
When & Where
The South Denver English Conversation Group (also known as the Lone Tree Conversation Group) meets every Tuesday from 6:30–8:30 p.m. at the Lone Tree Golf Club & Hotel, 9808 Sunningdale Blvd., Lone Tree, CO 80124.
There is plenty of free parking. When you arrive, ask the hotel receptionist for the meeting room. People are welcome to arrive and leave as their schedules permit.
Casual attire. Adults only—no children.
Beverages can be purchased from the Grill when it is open, or feel free to bring a water bottle.
The group is FREE. Registration isn’t required, but checking Meetup before attending is recommended. On the rare occasion a meeting is cancelled, the cancellation will be posted there.
The group is listed in several places, so the number shown as attending on Meetup doesn’t reflect actual attendance. Many regular attendees don’t sign up each week.
Come enjoy some terrific conversation and a lot of laughter.
For the first Meetup, link it to: