When we speak, we speak in different ways to achieve different purposes. The aim of this p^per is to show how a genre-based approach can assist students to develop diversity in oral communication by speaking in different ways. First, a brief outline of the theory that underpins this approach will be examined. Reference will be made to genre theory from Systemic Functional Linguistics. Following this, a variety of genres that commonly occur in casual conversation will be identified and discussed. These include anecdotes, recounts, opinions and gossip. Next, a curriculum cycle will be presented that focuses on the roles, of modeling and scaffolding in language learning. After this, a variety of genre-based teaching materials will then be examined. These are derived from movies, the radio, and authentic dialogs of conversation The importance of text structure as a tool for speaking in different ways will be illustrated by these materials. Finally, a discussion will be conducted, focusing on the implications of this approach to facilitate different ways of speaking and the teaching of casual conversation in general. Specific suggestions for teachers are provided. It is hoped that this paper will provide readers with broader insights into the potential applications of Systemic Functional Linguistics to language teaching, as well as new ideas for the teaching of conversation in general.
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