Small talk

Small talk

Which is a more probable scenario in your culture?
Where is it normal to speak to strangers: on a train, in a doctor’s waiting room, at a bus stop, at a hotel?
What is small talk? When do you use small talk? Are you good at small talk?

Successful small talk isn’t about saying brilliant things. It’s about commenting on and asking about ordinary things with interest and enthusiasm.

• 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. Try to give more information or say something interesting about where you come from, your job, etc.

• Remember to ask questions too – don’t just talk about yourself.

Decide which opening sentences are good examples of small talk

1 Do you come from Spain?

2 Is it your first time in Vienna?

3 Can you believe this weather we’re having?

4 I love the food in this hotel.

5 I like your jacket. It’s a really nice colour.

6 Oh, you’re reading Wonder. I really enjoyed that book.

7 I find these kinds of conferences really boring.

8 Do you know anything about the political situation here?

Multiple Choice

After the CEO of the company finished to talk, there was an _______ silence.

• awkward

• immediate

• trivial

• annoying

Multiple Choice

If I take the 6.30 ______, I’ll be there in time for the meeting.

• debate

• shuttle

• chit-chat

• trivia

Multiple Choice

This letter requires your ______ attention.

• annoying

• trivial

• immediate

• awkward

Multiple Choice

It is important _____ everyone in the discussion of the terms of the contract.

• to steer clear

• to engage

• to go beyond

• to be up to

Multiple Choice

The terms of the new contract have been the subject of an intense _____ in recent weeks.

• shuttle

• chit-chat

• debate

• talk

Multiple Choice

I don’t think your question is ______ at all. On the contrary, it’s very important to discuss everything.

• immediate

• awkward

• annoying

• trivial

Multiple Choice

You must _____ of such topics as money, politics and religion at any social gatherings.

• be up to

• steer clear

• go beyond

• engage

Multiple Choice

I never trusted Mike. I always felt he _____ something.

• steered clear

• engaged

• went beyond

• was up to

Multiple Choice

This year’s sales figures _______ all our expectations.

• went beyond

• steered clear

• engaged

• was up to

Multiple Choice

His most ______ habit was to interrupt everyone.

• trivial

• awkward

• immediate

• annoying

Multiple Choice

Let’s skip all this _____ and get down to business.

• chit-chat

• debate

• argument

• talk

Decide if the statements below are true or false

Multiple Choice

Small talk is a serious conversation we have with people we know.

• True

• False

Multiple Choice

Small talk is used to build community.

• True

• False

Multiple Choice

Ask questions which are related to the current situation.

• True

• False

Multiple Choice

Show enthusiasm by asking lots of questions.

• True

• False

Multiple Choice

Always prepare an unusual story.

• True

• False

Multiple Choice

Keep up to date with the news.

• True

• False

Multiple Choice

All topics are suitable for small talk.

• True

• False

Multiple Choice

Be active listener.

• True

• False

Discuss the following questions.
1 What are your initial thoughts about small talk? Do you enjoy it or find it awkward? Why?

2 Can you recall a time when small talk led to a meaningful conversation or relationship? What happened?

3 Why do you think small talk is important in social interactions?

4 Do you believe small talk can impact your mood or happiness? Why or why not?

5 How comfortable do you feel initiating small talk with strangers? What strategies do you use or avoid?

6 What do you think are the key components of effective small talk?

7 Have you ever experienced a situation where small talk helped you professionally?

Answer the questions according to what you heard in the clip.

1 What is the "liking gap" mentioned in the video?

2 How can asking questions during a conversation make you more likeable?

3 Why is it important to ask follow-up questions during a conversation?

4 According to a speed-dating study, what was the impact of asking more follow-up questions?

5 How do distractions like texting during a conversation affect how you are perceived by others?

6 What benefits can small talk have for your professional and personal life?

7 How can improving your small talk skills lead to positive experiences?