Finding something to talk about.

In most __________-speaking countries, it is _________ and necessary to make

"__________________" in certain ____________. Small talk is a _________ form of
conversation that "breaks the ______" or fills an __________ ________ between
people.
There are ___ main, and very common, situations where you will have to make small
talk: with___________, with co-workers/classmates, and with __________________.

There are several very common _______ used to make small talk and a few topics you
should _________ talk about.
English speakers like to make small talk about:
*_______ *Movies *Current ______ *Work *Hobbies *_______ * The ________ *Clothing
You should __________ talking about:
* __________ * Politics * Death * ___________ * ___________

1) Which are good topics for talking to strangers, co-workers/classmates, and acquaintances?

2) What's a good starting question to ask if you want to talk about ______________?
3) Choose a topic and talk to your partner about it.
4)Read these 3 dialogues with your partner and answer the questions.
Where are the people? What is their relationship? Which topics do they talk about?
1 2 3
A: Hiya! How's it going? A: Excuse me, how long have A: Hey! It's been a long time!
B: It's alright, I'm so busy today. you been waiting? How have you been?
A: You can say that again, I'm B: Umm... about 10 minutes. I B: I've been great! And you?
swamped! Did you catch the hope it comes soon. A: Wonderful, I just got back
game last night? A: Me too! It's so hot today. from Argentina.
B: Yeah, it was amazing! I can't B: I know! It was cooler this B: Where? Sorry... it's a little
believe those plays! Even my time last year. Wow, that's a loud, could we step outside?
daughter enjoyed it. fantastic bag. Where did you buy Ok.. sorry. Where were you?
A: How is your daughter doing? it? A: Argentina, I was there for 4
What's she studying? A: This? Oh thank you, I bought months.
B: She's doing very well. She's in it at a little shop downtown B: WOW! That's so cool! What
her third year now, studying law. called...hmmm... I think it's were you doing?
Sorry... I have to run, talk later! called “Dolly's Bags.” A: I was studying dance. I love
A: No problem, see you later! B: I really like it! Oh, here it dance movies so I decided to
comes now! Finally! take the plunge and learn how.
B: Wow. That's amazing. What's
your favorite dance movie?
5) Write a similar dialogue with your partner. Choose a situation and a few small talk topics to
talk about. Try to use casual language! When you're ready, we'll listen to you perform your
dialogue and then try to guess where you are and your relationship.
 Finding something to talk about.
In most English-speaking countries, it is normal and necessary to make "small talk" in
certain situations. Small talk is a casual form of conversation that "breaks the ice" or fills
an awkward silence between people.

There are 3 main, and very common, situations where you will have to make small talk:
with strangers, with co-workers/classmates, and with acquaintances.

There are several very common topics used to make small talk and a few topics you
should never talk about.
English speakers like to make small talk about:
* Family * Movies * Current Events * Work * Hobbies * Sports * The Weather * Clothing
You should avoid talking about:
* Religion * Politics * Death * Salary * Health

1) Which are good topics for talking to strangers, co-workers/classmates, and acquaintances?

2) What's a good starting question to ask if you want to talk about ______________?
3) Choose a topic and talk to your partner about it.
4)Read these 3 dialogues with your partner and answer the questions.
Where are the people? What is their relationship? Which topics do they talk about?
1 2 3
A: Hiya! How's it going? A: Excuse me, how long have A: Hey! It's been a long time!
B: It's alright, I'm so busy today. you been waiting? How have you been?
A: You can say that again, I'm B: Umm... about 10 minutes. I B: I've been great! And you?
swamped! Did you catch the hope it comes soon. A: Wonderful, I just got back
game last night? A: Me too! It's so hot today. from Argentina.
B: Yeah, it was amazing! I can't B: I know! It was cooler this B: Where? Sorry... it's a little
believe those plays! Even my time last year. Wow, that's a great loud, could we step outside?
daughter enjoyed it. bag. Where did you buy it? Ok.. sorry. Where were you?
A: Ah. How is your daughter A: This? Oh thank you, I bought A: Argentina, I was there for 4
doing? What's she studying? it at a little shop downtown months.
B: She's doing very well. She's in called...hmmm... I think it's B: WOW! That's so cool! What
her third year now, studying law. called “Dolly's Bags.” were you doing?
Sorry... I have to run, talk later! B: I really like it! Oh, here it A: I was studying dance. I love
A: No problem, see you later! comes now! Finally! dance movies so I decided to
take the plunge and learn how.
B: Wow. That's amazing. What's
your favorite dance movie?

5) Write a similar dialogue with your partner. Choose a situation and a few small talk topics to
talk about. Try to use casual language! When you're ready, we'll listen to you perform your
dialogue and then try to guess where you are and your relationship.