Speaking calendar/World Bartender Day
February 24th · Cultural Insight

World Bartender Day

The unlicensed therapists of the night. This day is a debate on the social architecture of the bar. We explore the role of the bartender as a listener, a gatekeeper of safety, and a witness to the secret lives of the city.

SPEAKING LESSONB1 / B2Discussion · Vocabulary · Activities
01 / LET’S TALK

Speaking Discussion

  1. Why do people tell their deepest secrets to a bartender but not to their own family?
  2. Is a bartender responsible for cutting someone off (stopping them from drinking), or is that an intrusion on personal freedom?
  3. How has the art of the cocktail changed our perception of bartenders from workers to artists?
  4. Should bartenders be trained in psychological first aid to help lonely or distressed customers?
  5. If you were a bartender for a night, what is the one question you would ask every customer to get them talking?
02 / PUT IT INTO PRACTICE

Activity 1: The Social Architect

The Task: You are designing the perfect bar for conversation. List 3 design elements (e.g., lighting, seating) that would make people feel safe and heard.

Activity 2: Rapid Fire Debate

Is listening a job or a gift?