Questions and Answers
Where is Person A from?
Spain
What is Person A studying for?
Master's degree in finance
What does Person B do?
They are an English teacher
How many kids does Person B have?
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What did Person A do over the weekend?
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What does Person B do in the office?
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What is the primary purpose of small talk?
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What is a common topic to avoid during small talk?
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How can you start small talk?
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What do you say when you find something in common with someone?
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What is an appropriate way to react to an interesting story?
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What is a common subject of small talk?
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What should you avoid doing during small talk?
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Why might someone make small talk?
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What is a key characteristic of a good conversation?
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How can you respond to a yes/no question to keep the conversation going?
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What type of questions can help keep the conversation going?
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What is a polite way to end a conversation?
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What is the purpose of small talk in a party setting?
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How can you respond to a compliment about something you're wearing?
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What is a good way to start a conversation in a public space?
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What is the goal of small talk?
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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?").
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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.
