What is small talk

Short conversations about everyday topics.

Friendly conversations between strangers

Casual conversations before an event

Introduce yourself,
make a connection and make some questions (listen, listen, listen)

Keep the conversation going, smile!

Find out what you and the other person have in common

Review and Practice: Making Small Talk

Remember the key points:

Be the first to say hello and introduce yourself

Ask questions

Be a good listener

Show your interest

Find out what you and the other person have in common
Extend the conversation

Small Talk: Conversation Starters

This page covers the language of small talk when starting a conversation in English.

Talking about the weather

 Beautiful day, isn't it?

 Can you believe all of this rain we've been having?

 It looks like it's going to snow.

 It sure would be nice to be in Hawaii right about now.

 I hear they're calling for thunderstorms all weekend.

 We couldn't ask for a nicer day, could we?

 How about this weather?

 Did you order this sunshine?

Talking about current events

 Did you catch the news today?

 Did you hear about that fire on Fourth St?

 What do you think about this transit strike?

 I read in the paper today that the Sears Mall is closing.

 I heard on the radio today that they are finally going to start building the new bridge.

 How about those Reds? Do you think they're going to win tonight?

At the office

 Looking forward to the weekend?

 Have you worked here long?

 I can't believe how busy/quiet we are today, can you?

 Has it been a long week?

 You look like you could use a cup of coffee.

 What do you think of the new computers?

At a social event

 So, how do you know Justin?

 Have you tried the cabbage rolls that Sandy made?

 Are you enjoying yourself?

 It looks like you could use another drink.

  Pretty nice place, huh?

 I love your dress. Can I ask where you got it?

Out for a walk

 How old's your baby?

 What's your puppy's name?

 The tulips are sure beautiful at this time of year, aren't they.

 How do you like the new park?

 Nice day to be outside, isn't it?

Waiting somewhere

 I didn't think it would be so busy today.

 You look like you've got your hands full (with children or goods).

 The bus must be running late today.

 It looks like we are going to be here a while, huh?

 I'll have to remember not to come here on Mondays.

 How long have you been waiting?

We always stress the important words, we call them CONTENT WORDS (they give us the
meaning of the sentence)
word and sentence stress, intonation, speed, volume and body language. They are key to
improving your English and helping you reach your goals!

Word Stress Practice

A very important part of learning English is understanding stress and using it correctly. If you
want to learn how to speak English well, you need to learn the basic rules of stress and then
apply them in your speech.

What is stress? Stress falls on only one syllable of a word with two or more syllables. When we
emphasize a syllable, it is usually louder, the vowel sound is longer, and the pitch (tone) is
higher.
EXERCISE: Pronounce each word and mark the vowel of the syllable that receives stress. Use an
audio dictionary to listen to pronunciation. Compare your answer to the stress marked in the
dictionary.

Sentence Stress

Practicing English is different from many languages because it has a lot of rhythm, like a song
with beats. Take, for example, the following sentences we looked at in the lecture video:

He bought some jeans. ta TA ta TAA (2 beats)

He bought a pair of jeans. ta TA ta TA ta TAA (3 beats)

John bought two pairs of jeans. TA TA TA TA ta TAAA (5 beats)

In the above sentences, some words are strong and others are weak. The last word is the
strongest and longest. This combination of strong and weak syllables creates rhythm in each
sentence.

n the above sentences, some words are strong and others are weak. The last word is the
strongest and longest. This combination of strong and weak syllables creates rhythm in each
sentence.

In the following sentences the number of beats is marked. Practice saying the sentences with
the correct number of beats.

1. Can I borrow a pen? (2 beats)

2. I’m going to the bank. (2 beats)

3. Tell her I’ll be late. (2 beats)

4. Let’s go to a movie. (3 beats)

5. The pizza party is today. (3 beats)

6. Thanks for the birthday gift. (3 beats)

7. John studied for hours. (3 beats)

8. John studied four hours. (4 beats)

9. The key to the door is there. (3 beats)

10. I’m leaving on Monday for my country. (3 beats)

How can you predict where the beats, or stress, will be?

Generally, we stress nouns, verbs, adjectives, adverbs, WH-words, and negative words (e.g.,
“no,” “not,” “can’t”). They always have a beat—they are longer, louder, and higher. These
words are called “content” words.
 On the other hand, we do not stress prepositions, pronouns, articles, modals and auxiliaries
(e.g., can, should, have, be). These words are reduced, unclear, often difficult to hear, and they
are shorter, softer, and lower than stressed words. These words are called “structure” words.

Intonation Practice

In general, English has two basic intonation patterns:

1. Your voice rises in Yes-No questions. You should always rise on the last word of
the question.

Are you going to take a trip next year?

Is your friend going to drive with us?

Will the homework assignment take a lot of time?

Can the consulate help you with your visa problem?

Could you please give me your cell phone number?

Would you like a piece of pie?

Have you paid your rent this month?

Will you be able to go to the game with us?

Do you have any plans for the weekend?

2. Your voice rises and falls in statements and WH-questions. Practice rising and falling
intonation with the following sentences. Notice that in some sentences the rising and falling
intonation applies to more than one word.

I’m planning a vacation in Florida.

My friend is going to drive to New York with us.

The homework assignment won’t take much time.

The weather in my country is hot and humid.

My family hasn’t done much traveling.

Why do you want my phone number?

Where should I go for help with my visa problem?

What kind of desserts do you have?

Who are you going to the football game with?

When do you have to pay your rent?

How much will I pay for a good used car?

Networking or getting to know others in your field is very important

1. Speak slowly