Small Talk.pptx

What is small talk? See Answer Small talk is a friendly conversation that we have with a stranger or acquaintance. Sometimes, we make small talk to make a new friendship. Sometimes we make small talk because we are interested in learning more abou...

What is small talk? See Answer Small talk is a friendly conversation that we have with a stranger or acquaintance. Sometimes, we make small talk to make a new friendship. Sometimes we make small talk because we are interested in learning more about a stranger but we don’t expect a friendship, or we’re simply passing the time. What subjects can we talk about during small talk? See Answer Weather, sports, technology, travel, work, family and friends, hobbies, holidays, local places… and more! What subjects do we usually avoid during small talk? See Answer Religion, politics, controversial topics, money, physical appearance, health history, complaints about other people and age. What are the goals of small talk? See Answer To find things in common and to learn something new.  How can you start small talk? See our suggestions Talk about a person you both know: “How do you know Katie?” Compliment them on an item Ask for help: “I’m new here. of clothing: “What a great What restaurant would you hat!” recommend? Mention the weather: “Wow - Ask about something they this weather is terrible!” have: “I see you have the new ePhone. I was thinking Offer help: “Can I help you of getting one. Would you with that box?” recommend it?” Guess a hobby: “I see you have walking boots on. Do  What do you say when you find something in common? See our suggestions Me too! (affirmative) Me neither! (negative) So + auxiliary verb + I! What a coincidence, I also… Neither + auxiliary verb + I! I can totally relate to that! Absolutely! That’s so funny, I also…  How can you react to an interesting story? See our suggestions How interesting! How cool! How amazing! That sounds fantastic! I didn’t know that! Wow! I’d love to know more about that!  How do you end a conversation politely? See our suggestions 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!  Remember! A good conversation Keep the conversation going by asking is balanced: ‘open questions’. That’s questions beginning with: How… 50% you talking, 50% Who… Why… the other person What… Which… talking. When… If someone asks you a ‘yes/no’ question, keep the conversation going by saying: Yes, and + more information + question. E.g. “Do you like cooking?” “Yes, I love baking cakes, especially chocolate cake. Do you bake?” No, but + more information + question. E.G. “Do you live near here?” “No, I don’t. I work near here but I live near the park. Are you familiar with it?”  Role Play 1: party small talk. A: Have you tried this dip? It’s really good. B: Yes, it’s absolutely delicious. Brandon is a really good cook. A: I wish I could cook like him! So how do you know Brandon? B: We’re in the tennis club together. How about you? A: We work in the same building. How long have you been playing tennis? B: Just since last year. I needed a new hobby! Do you play? A: I don’t, but I love watching Wimbledon. B: Cool! Who’s your favourite player? A: Naomi Osaka. B: Yeah, she’s an incredible player. I’m Fred, by the way. And you are? A: I’m Claudia. Nice to meet you! B: Likewise. So, what other sports do you watch? See if you can continue the A: … conversation!  Role Play 2: public space small talk. A: Hey there, I really like your scarf. B: Oh, thank you! It was only £4 from a charity shop. A: How fantastic! B: Yeah, you need a good scarf in this weather! A: Absolutely. It got so cold so quickly - I should have brought my gloves with me today. B: Well that’s England for you! A: I’m not used to it. I’m from Spain. B: Oh really? What are you doing in England? A: I’m studying for my master’s degree in finance. B: How interesting. I’m not good with numbers, myself! A: What do you do? B: I’m an English teacher. A: … See if you can continue the conversation! Role Play 3: office small talk. A: Morning. I’m going for coffee. Would you like some? B: Oh yes please, I’m dying for a cup of coffee! A: How was your weekend? B: Oh, the usual. Taking the kids to football practice, that kind of thing. A: How many kids do you have? B: Two girls - they’re 8 and 10. A: They sound like they have a lot of energy! B: They keep us busy, that’s for sure. Do you have any kids? A: No, I don’t. So that means I get to relax at the weekend! B: What did you get up to? A: I went to a yoga class and met up with my friends at the pub. B: That sounds great. A: By the way, I don’t know much about your job here. What exactly do you do? B: I’m in HR. See if you can continue the A: … conversation!