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Small Talk Worksheet 1

The document discusses appropriate topics and techniques for small talk. It provides examples of safe small talk topics like the weather, music and hobbies. It also gives suggestions for finding common ground like location, company, travel and offers phrases to start and end a small talk conversation politely.

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Nerea Castaño López
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45 views2 pages

Small Talk Worksheet 1

The document discusses appropriate topics and techniques for small talk. It provides examples of safe small talk topics like the weather, music and hobbies. It also gives suggestions for finding common ground like location, company, travel and offers phrases to start and end a small talk conversation politely.

Uploaded by

Nerea Castaño López
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Small Talk

World of Work

Kickoff: Read the two definitions and decide which is correct.

Option A: “Small talk” refers to casual, lighthearted conversations. It is


usually about non-controversial topics such as the weather, hobbies, or
current events. We use small talk to create a social connection. In business
context, it is used to build rapport and create a positive impression.

Option B: “Small talk” refers to long discussions on controversial issues. The


aim is to persuade people to accept your opinion or to solve important
problems. The topic is usually complex matters, and it’s important to study
the topic beforehand. It is common to raise your voice in “small talk”.

Language Focus I: Discuss which six of the following are appropriate topics for
“small talk”.

illegal food and personal


the weather music hobbies
activities drink finances
weight and current films and
politics religion gossip
appearance events series

Language Focus II: Read the following paragraph and take notes.

So, we have identified a few safe topics for small talk. However, approaching someone and saying to
them, “Hello, what music do you like?” isn’t exactly natural. These topics may come up after a few
sentences have been exchanged.
What is the best way, then, to start up a conversation? It all comes down to one very simple question
that you can ask yourself:
What do I have in common with the other person?

Finding common ground is the easiest way to start up a conversation, and also the most natural. But,
you might wonder how to find this common ground. Well, let’s think about that together…

Location
Are you in the same location? If so, that’s something you have in common. It can easily lead to very
appropriate small talk, such as:
• I really like this building. It’s so modern. Have you been here before?
• Welcome to our offices in New York! Tell me, what’s the Paris office like?
• It’s exciting to have been invited to such an elegant place!

Online Meetings
Online meetings have become part of our business norm in recent years. You can find plenty of
common ground here, and it can serve as an icebreaker:
• Can you see and hear me okay? Great, it never hurts to check.
• I love your virtual background. Where is it?
©eslhome.es | licensed for use by registered teachers
Small Talk
World of Work

Same Company
Do you work for the same company? Even if you’re not from the same office or department, you can
pick up from here and say things like:
• What department do you work for?
• How long have you been working for [the company]?
• What’s it like working for [department]? / working in [location].

Travel
Did you both travel to where you are? That’s definitely something people love to talk about, and
something you’ve got in common!
• How did you get here today?
• Have you found it easy to make your way around the city?
• How was your trip here? Did you enjoy the flight?

Ending the Conversation: You can start a chat, but can you end it?
Fill the blanks in the sentences below with the words from the box.

head away grab ride find touch make seats

1. It’s been really nice chatting, but I just remembered I have a call I absolutely must __________.
MAKE
2. I’ve enjoyed chatting with you. I need to __________
HEAD out, but let’s catch up soon.
3. Oh, my apologies. I just have to step __________for
AWAY a moment.
4. It’s time for me to head home soon. This has been great; let’s __________
TOUCH base again soon.
5. I just need to __________
FIND the restroom, if you don’t mind.
6. Ah, look, I think that’s the conference leader. Perhaps we should find our __________.
SEATS
7. This has been fun. My __________
RIDE is waiting for me outside, so see you again soon.
8. I’m going to __________
GRAB another drink. Would you like one?

Language in Use: Follow the instructions to put your new skills to use.
1. Split your group into smaller groups of two or three people.
2. Roll a die. Depending on which number it lands on, that’s the location where you are meeting.

1: modern 2: pub or 3: hotel lobby 4: a networking 5: an online 6: an outdoor


meeting room restaurant (in another city) event conference event

3. Have a 60-second conversation with a another student, imagining that they are a person you
have just met at that location.

©eslhome.es | licensed for use by registered teachers

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