Podcast
Questions and Answers
Successful small talk isn't about saying brilliant things. It's about commenting on and asking about ordinary things with ______ and enthusiasm.
Successful small talk isn't about saying brilliant things. It's about commenting on and asking about ordinary things with ______ and enthusiasm.
interest
Try to find something in common with your listener. Try to match the mood of your listener. Don't try to be light-hearted if they seem ______.
Try to find something in common with your listener. Try to match the mood of your listener. Don't try to be light-hearted if they seem ______.
serious
Don't answer in one-word sentences. Use ______ and elaborate on your responses.
Don't answer in one-word sentences. Use ______ and elaborate on your responses.
details
When engaging in small talk, it's important to show genuine ______ in the conversation.
When engaging in small talk, it's important to show genuine ______ in the conversation.
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Asking open-ended questions can help keep the conversation flowing and show that you are ______ in the other person.
Asking open-ended questions can help keep the conversation flowing and show that you are ______ in the other person.
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Tag questions can be a good way to keep the conversation going by inviting the other person to ______.
Tag questions can be a good way to keep the conversation going by inviting the other person to ______.
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Show the speaker some empathy and make sure you've understood the situation correctly. Put yourself in the speaker's ______.
Show the speaker some empathy and make sure you've understood the situation correctly. Put yourself in the speaker's ______.
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Say what you think would happen if the speaker took / didn't take your ______.
Say what you think would happen if the speaker took / didn't take your ______.
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Help the speaker think about all the ______.
Help the speaker think about all the ______.
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Discussions are more interesting when people have different opinions on a subject. Ask for people's ______.
Discussions are more interesting when people have different opinions on a subject. Ask for people's ______.
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Ask questions that encourage a response: What do you think about cosmetic ______?
Ask questions that encourage a response: What do you think about cosmetic ______?
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Where do you stand on giving money to ______?
Where do you stand on giving money to ______?
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Dan: I know what you mean. I had a similar experience last week when I was trying to get the train to London. Jodi: Ed: I've been to so many interviews but I still haven't got a ______.
Dan: I know what you mean. I had a similar experience last week when I was trying to get the train to London. Jodi: Ed: I've been to so many interviews but I still haven't got a ______.
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Jodi: I applied for another one last week. Did I tell you about it? Ed: I think you did, yes...oh, while I remember, have you finished reading my ______ yet?
Jodi: I applied for another one last week. Did I tell you about it? Ed: I think you did, yes...oh, while I remember, have you finished reading my ______ yet?
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Understanding ^ Match the following strategies to the statements from the telephone conversation. Strategy: Interrupt yourself rather than the speaker. Change the subject to something that is loosely connected with the topic. Announce a change of topic. Make an apology for changing the conversation. Cultural note: You could note that when people switch from small talk to the main subject of conversation, they change their tone of voice and say something like, 'Right, then...' or 'Shall we...' In British English, they might say, 'Let's get down to business' to move from small talk to the reason for the discussion. Section 2: Keep talking 25 Saying it accurately ^ 0 ^ Match the phrases on the left with those on the right that have similar meanings. Speaking of... While I remember,... Before I forget,... Changing the subject for a minute,... That reminds me of... Talking of... This has got nothing to do with what we're talking about but... Something similar happened... Read these ______ and match them to a strategy.
Understanding ^ Match the following strategies to the statements from the telephone conversation. Strategy: Interrupt yourself rather than the speaker. Change the subject to something that is loosely connected with the topic. Announce a change of topic. Make an apology for changing the conversation. Cultural note: You could note that when people switch from small talk to the main subject of conversation, they change their tone of voice and say something like, 'Right, then...' or 'Shall we...' In British English, they might say, 'Let's get down to business' to move from small talk to the reason for the discussion. Section 2: Keep talking 25 Saying it accurately ^ 0 ^ Match the phrases on the left with those on the right that have similar meanings. Speaking of... While I remember,... Before I forget,... Changing the subject for a minute,... That reminds me of... Talking of... This has got nothing to do with what we're talking about but... Something similar happened... Read these ______ and match them to a strategy.
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Write 6 'fill in the blank' ______ using the content above. Provide the missing word as the answer. Focus on topics: Tag questions, Conversation strategies. Write in English language.
Write 6 'fill in the blank' ______ using the content above. Provide the missing word as the answer. Focus on topics: Tag questions, Conversation strategies. Write in English language.
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Tag questions, Conversation strategies, and ______ were discussed in the conversation.
Tag questions, Conversation strategies, and ______ were discussed in the conversation.
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In British English, people might say, 'Let's get down to ______' to move from small talk to the reason for the discussion.
In British English, people might say, 'Let's get down to ______' to move from small talk to the reason for the discussion.
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Study Notes
Telephone Conversation Strategies
- Interrupt yourself rather than the speaker
- Change the subject to something loosely connected with the topic
- Announce a change of topic
- Make an apology for changing the conversation
Conversational Strategies
- Saying "Speaking of..." or "While I remember..." to change the subject
- Using phrases like "Before I forget..." or "Changing the subject for a minute..." to introduce a new topic
- Saying "That reminds me of..." or "Talking of..." to connect to the previous topic
- Using "This has got nothing to do with what we're talking about but..." to introduce an unrelated topic
Giving Advice
- Show empathy and understanding before giving advice
- Put yourself in the speaker's shoes
- Say what you think would happen if the speaker took or didn't take your advice
- Help the speaker think about all the alternatives
Successful Small Talk
- Comment on and ask about ordinary things with interest and enthusiasm
- Try to find something in common with your listener
- Match the mood of your listener
- Avoid one-word answers and try to be engaging
Discussion Strategies
- Ask for people's opinions to encourage a good discussion
- Ask open-ended questions that encourage a response
- Encourage different opinions on a subject to make discussions more interesting
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Description
Test your knowledge on starting informal conversations, responding, interruptions, and exchanging information in English. This quiz covers topics from the book 'English for Life B1+ Intermediate Speaking' by Cheryl Pelteret.
