Small Talk

It’s not that small

What is small talk?
Disuss with your teacher
 Definition
 Persiflage is a light, flippant, and/or mocking manner
of speech or writing. Also called banter, idle chatter, or small
Persiflage talk.
In which situations would
you use small talk?
Discuss with your teacher
 What about these?

1. The latest films

2. The One True Path to Eternal Life
3. The local basketball team
4. Cars
5. A product you would like to sell to

Are all topics 6.

everyone
The Death Penalty

acceptable?
7. Your hometown
8. How much you make
9. Your last holiday
10. Your favorite movie-star
If not, give some examples of topics that are not 11. The correct political party
acceptable and your opinion of why they are not accepted 12. The weather
13. Gardening
14. Your health problems
15. Your family
 Are there any
rules/structures?
 Purpose Expression
Ask about experience Open the package. Fill out
the Forms.
Give advice
Where can I find out more?
Make a suggestion
I'm afraid I don't see it that
Express an opinion way.
Imagine a situation Have you ever visited
Rome?
Provide instructions
Structure
Conditional form
Question tag
Use of "some" in questions
rather than "any"
To me, In my opinion, I
think
Information question

Matching Offer something

Let's go for a walk.

To me, that seems like a

Modal verbs such as
"should", "ought to", and

exercise Confirm information

Ask for more details

waste of time.

You live in San Francisco,

"had better"

Imperative form
don't you?
Agree or disagree Let's, Why don't you, How
Would you like something about
to drink?
Present perfect for
If you were the boss, what experience
would you do?
I'm afraid I don't see / think
Try and make some sentences of your You should visit Mt. Hood. / feel that way.
own – your teacher will state the
purpose, you give the expression.
 Small Talk Exercise
Let’s try it
You will be shown words/phrases, and you will have 30
You have 30 seconds to speak about each topic
seconds to say as much as possible about each topic
family
school
economy
current job
pets
keeping healthy
an interesting excursion
nearby
human cloning
coronavirus
your worst holiday
something you’ve never
done, but want to
your dream job
transportation
the last book you read
your favorite food
the Tokyo olympic
games
a really bad movie you
saw
sport
getting a job in your
country
teachers – that you like
How to improve small talk
You’ve got this
 Do some research
Spend time on the internet, reading magazines, or watching TV specials
about the type of people you are going to meet. For example, if you are
taking a class with students from other countries, take time after the first
few days of class to do some research. They will appreciate your effort
and your conversations will be much more interesting.
 Stay away from religion
or strong political
beliefs
While you may believe in something very strongly, beginning
conversations and making small talk about your own personal
convictions may abruptly end the conversation. Keep it light, don't try to
convince the other person that you have the "correct" information about
a higher being, political system, or other belief system.
 The internet is your
friend
This is related to doing research about other people. If you have a business
gathering or are meeting people who share a common interest (a basketball team,
a tour group interested in art, etc.), take advantage of the internet to learn specific
vocabulary. Almost all businesses and interest groups have glossaries on the
internet explaining the most important jargon related to their business or activity.
 Ask yourself about your
own culture
What are some things that people may want to know about your culture, country,
or even the people who live there? Or are there things in your culture that is
drastically different from most other cultures? Make a list and then practice
speaking about these things so you’re ready when someone from another country
asks you about your home town/country, or to make small talk about these topics.
 Find common interests
If you find something you are both interested in, stick to that topic. For example,
if you’re both interested in travel, talk about the places you have visited and the
experiences you had. Compare experiences with each other, but be careful and
ensure you make comparisons and not judgements. For example, don’t say „The
food in my country is better than food here (other country)”.
 LISTEN!!!
Don’t be so preocupied with trying to think of something to speak about that you
don’t listen when the other person is speaking. Letting others speak shows that
you’re interested and encourages them to speak more. This, in turn, makes them
feel more comfortable, which ultimately makes YOU more comfortable as well.
When you are relaxed, the topics and words will come much more naturally.
Final Tips
  Sports - current matches or games, favorite teams, etc.
 Hobbies
 Weather - boring, but can get the ball rolling!
 Family - general questions, not questions about private matters
 Media - films, books, magazines, etc.
Topics you may  Holidays - where, when, etc. but NOT how much!
discuss  Home town - where do you come from, how is it
different/similar to this town
 Job - once again, general questions not too specific
 Latest fashion and trends
 Celebrities - any gossip you may have!
  Salary - how much do you make? - That's none of your
business!
 Politics - wait until you get to know the person better
 Intimate relationships - only for you and your partner, or maybe
your best friend
Topics you  Religion - tolerance is the key!
should not  Death - we need to face it, but not the first time we meet
discuss someone new
 Financial - related to salary above, most people prefer to keep
financial information to themselves
 Sales - Don't try to sell something to someone you have just
met.
 Free Practice
Practice by speaking to your teacher.
Speak about anything that comes to mind (avoid the sensitive topics, of course)