Small Talk Basics

Podcast Beta

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

Questions and Answers

Where is Person A from?

Italy

Spain (correct)

France

England

What is Person A studying for?

Master's degree in English

Bachelor's degree in finance

Master's degree in finance (correct)

Bachelor's degree in English

What does Person B do?

They are an accountant

They are an English teacher (correct)

They are in HR

They are a lawyer

How many kids does Person B have?

Two Signup and view all the answers

What did Person A do over the weekend?

They went to a yoga class and met up with friends at the pub Signup and view all the answers

What does Person B do in the office?

They are in HR Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of small talk?

To learn something new or find common interests Signup and view all the answers

What is a common topic to avoid during small talk?

Religion Signup and view all the answers

How can you start small talk?

Talk about a person you both know Signup and view all the answers

What do you say when you find something in common with someone?

Me too! Signup and view all the answers

What is an appropriate way to react to an interesting story?

How interesting! Signup and view all the answers

What is a common subject of small talk?

Weather Signup and view all the answers

What should you avoid doing during small talk?

Discussing controversial topics Signup and view all the answers

Why might someone make small talk?

All of the above Signup and view all the answers

What is a key characteristic of a good conversation?

Balanced: 50% you talking, 50% the other person talking Signup and view all the answers

How can you respond to a yes/no question to keep the conversation going?

Yes, and add more information and a question Signup and view all the answers

What type of questions can help keep the conversation going?

Open questions starting with How, Who, What, or Why Signup and view all the answers

What is a polite way to end a conversation?

Say 'I have to get back to work now' or 'I must be going' Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of small talk in a party setting?

To pass the time and be social Signup and view all the answers

How can you respond to a compliment about something you're wearing?

Add more information, such as where you got it or how much it cost Signup and view all the answers

What is a good way to start a conversation in a public space?

Make a comment about something you have in common Signup and view all the answers

What is the goal of small talk?

To be polite and show interest in the other person Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Small Talk Definition

Small talk is a friendly conversation with a stranger or acquaintance.
It can be used to make a new friendship, learn about someone, or pass the time.

Small Talk Topics

Common topics: weather, sports, technology, travel, work, family, friends, hobbies, holidays, and local places.
Topics to avoid: religion, politics, controversial topics, money, physical appearance, health history, complaints about others, and age.

Goals of Small Talk

Find things in common and learn something new.

Starting Small Talk

Talk about a mutual acquaintance: "How do you know Katie?"
Give a compliment: "What a great hat!"
Ask for help: "I'm new here. What restaurant would you recommend?"
Mention the weather: "Wow, this weather is terrible!"
Offer help: "Can I help you with that box?"
Ask about something they have: "I see you have the new ePhone. Would you recommend it?"
Guess a hobby: "I see you have walking boots on. Do you like hiking?"

Reacting to Common Ground

Me too! (affirmative)
Me neither! (negative)
So + auxiliary verb + I! (e.g., "So I love hiking too!")
What a coincidence, I also… (e.g., "What a coincidence, I also love hiking!")
Neither + auxiliary verb + I! (e.g., "Neither do I!")
I can totally relate to that! (e.g., "I can totally relate to that love for hiking!")
Absolutely! (e.g., "Absolutely, hiking is amazing!")
That's so funny, I also… (e.g., "That's so funny, I also love hiking with my friends!")

Reacting to an Interesting Story

How interesting!
How cool!
How amazing!
That sounds fantastic!
I didn't know that!
Wow!
I'd love to know more about that!

Ending a Conversation Politely

Well, I must be going.
Lovely to meet you!
Time to be off.
Lovely chatting to you!
How interesting!
I'm afraid I have to get back to work now.
Great to meet you!
See you around!

Conversation Tips

A good conversation is balanced: 50% you talking, 50% the other person talking.
Keep the conversation going by asking open questions (e.g., "How…", "Who…", "Why…", etc.).
When asked a yes/no question, respond with more information and a question (e.g., "Yes, I love baking cakes, especially chocolate cake. Do you bake?").

Studying That Suits You

Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

Description

Learn about the basics of small talk, including its definition, common topics, and goals. Discover how to make a good impression and build rapport with others.