Session – Small 1

Talk

Small Talk
Small Talk: Who, What, Where, When, Why
WHO makes small talk?
People with many different relationships use small talk. The most common type of people to use small talk are those who
do not know each other at all. Though we often teach children not to talk to strangers, adults are expected to say at least a
few words in certain situations (see where). It is also common for people who are only acquaintances, often called a
"friend of a friend", to use small talk. Other people who have short casual conversations are office employees who may not
be good friends but work in the same department. Customer service representatives, waitresses, hairdressers and
receptionists often make small talk with customers. If you happen to be outside when the mailman comes to your door you
might make small talk with him too.

WHAT do people make small talk about?

There are certain "safe" topics that people usually make small talk about. The weather is probably the number one thing
that people who do not know each other well discuss. Sometimes even friends and family members discuss the weather
when they meet or start a conversation. Another topic that is generally safe is current events. As long as you are not
discussing a controversial issue, such as a recent law concerning equal rights, it is usually safe to discuss the news. Sports
news is a very common topic, especially if a local team or player is in a tournament or play-off or doing extremely well or
badly. Entertainment news, such as a celebrity who is in town, is another good topic. If there is something that you and the
other speaker has in common, that may also be acceptable to talk about. For example, if the bus is extremely full and there
are no seats available you might talk about reasons why. Similarly, people in an office might casually discuss the new paint
or furniture. There are also some subjects that are not considered acceptable when making small talk. Discussing personal
information such as salaries or a recent divorce is not done between people who do not know each other well.
Compliments on clothing or hair are acceptable; however, you should never say something (good or bad) about a person's
body. Negative comments about another person not involved in the conversation are also not acceptable: when you do not
know a person well you cannot be sure who their friends are. You do not talk about private issues either, because you do
not know if you can trust the other person with your secrets or personal information. Also, it is not safe to discuss subjects
that society deems controversial such as religion or politics. Lastly, it is not wise to continue talking about an issue that the
other person does not seem comfortable with or interested in.

WHERE do people make small talk?

People make small talk just about anywhere, but there are certain places where it is very common. Most often, small talk
occurs in places where people are waiting for something. For example, you might chat with another person who is waiting
for the bus to arrive, or to the person beside you waiting to get on an aeroplane. People also make small talk in a doctor's
or dentist's waiting room, or in queues at the grocery store. At the office, people make small talk in elevators or
lunchrooms and even in restrooms, especially if there is a line-up. Some social events (such as a party) require small talk
among guests who do not know each other very well. For example, you might talk to someone you do not know at the
punch bowl, or at the poolside. It is called "mingling" when people walk around in a social setting and talk to a variety of
people.

WHEN do people make small talk?

The most common time for small talk to occur is the first time you see or meet someone on a given day. For example, if you
see a co-worker in the lounge you might say hello and discuss the sports or weather. However, the next time you see each
other you might just smile and say nothing. If there is very little noise, that might be an indication that it is the right time to
initiate a casual conversation. You should only spark up a conversation after someone smiles and acknowledges you. Do
not interrupt two people in order to discuss something unimportant such as the weather. If someone is reading a book or
writing a letter at the bus stop it is not appropriate to initiate a conversation either. Another good time to make small talk
is during a break in a meeting or presentation when there is nothing important going on. Finally, it is important to
recognize the cue when the other person wants the conversation to stop.

WHY do people make small talk?

There are a few different reasons why people use small talk. The first, and most obvious, is to break an uncomfortable
silence. Another reason, however, is simply to fill time. That is why it is so common to make small talk when you are
waiting for something. Some people make small talk in order to be polite. You may not feel like chatting with anyone at a
party, but it is rude to just sit in a corner by yourself. After someone introduces you to another person, you do not know
anything about them, so in order to show a polite interest in getting to know them better, you have to start with some
small talk.

Ms Alice Leyraud – Service des Langues – Université Grenoble

Alpes
alice.leyraud@univ-grenoble-alpes.fr
 Session – Small 2
Talk

1/ Introductory exercise
Read each topic and answer “yes” - “no” or “never” to which of the topics you think you are more likely to talk to.

Small talk topics Friends or colleagues (informal / Business partner (formal)

neutral)
Family
International politics
The salary or wage
Travel
Weather
Food and drink
Religion
Health
Global warming, pollution,
environmental topics
Sports
Your hobbies
Computers and new technology
Corruption
Crime, law enforcement
Transports and commuting
Holidays
Entertainment
Art and culture

Small Talk: Conversation Starters – Some useful expressions

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?
Ms Alice Leyraud – Service des Langues – Université Grenoble
Alpes
alice.leyraud@univ-grenoble-alpes.fr
 Session – Small 3
Talk

  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?

Practice 1: At a Bus Stop

Read the small talk below and find the mistakes. Then check your answers.

Woman: We could ask for a better day, could we?

Man: I know. There isn't a cloud in the sky. I love this time of year.
Woman: Me too. The cherry blossoms are beautiful, you think?
Man: They sure are. But I heard he is calling for rain all weekend.
Woman: Really? Oh well. I have to work all weekend anyway. I'm a doctor.
Man: Wow. I'm sure you make good money with that diamond watch you have on.
Woman: Ah, this bus seems to be running late. How long of a wait is it already?
Man: I've been here for at least fifteen minutes now.
Woman: Where are you heading today?
Man: Actually, I'm going to the City Hall to cast my vote for mayor.
Woman: Oh, what a coincidence. So am I! Who are you voting for?
Man: Um, well...I'm still thinking about it.
Woman: Here comes a bus now.
Man: Oh good. Wait, that's not the bus we want. That bus goes downtown.
Woman: Well, it looks like we'll be waiting a little longer. I guess, I'll use this time to catch up on my reading.
Man: I love reading. Right now I'm reading a Stephen King book. Do you like Stephen King?
Woman: Not really.
Man: Oh, here's our bus.
Woman: Oh great. I thought it would never come. Well, have a nice day.
Man: Say, did you catch the news today?

Practice 2: At the Office

Read the small talk below and find the mistakes. Then check your answers.
Woman: Hi there.
Man: Hi. I haven't seen you around here before. Have you been working long?
Woman: No, I've only been here a few months. I work in the Human Resources Department.
Man: Oh, you must make more money than I do then. I'm in Sales.
Woman: Sales sounds like an interesting job.
Man: It's okay. Hey, you look like you could really have a coffee.
Woman: Yes, it's been a really hectic week.
Man: Tell me about it! At least it's supposing to be a nice weekend.
Woman: Yes, I've listened that they are calling for blue skies.
Man: Say, did you happen to catch the game last night?
Woman: No, I was working late.
Man: It was a great game. We won in overtime.
Woman: Actually, I don't even know who was playing. I don't really follow sports.
Man: The Chiefs! Do you think they're going to make it to the finals this year?
Woman: I'm not sure. Well, I better get back to my desk.
Man: Speaking of desks, what do you think of the new office furniture?
Ms Alice Leyraud – Service des Langues – Université Grenoble
Alpes
alice.leyraud@univ-grenoble-alpes.fr
 Session – Small 4
Talk

Woman: It's nice, but I would rather get paid for my overtime hours than have new furniture.
Man: Oh. Well, I think I'll be heading home early today. It might be snow.
Woman: I know. I can't believe all of this cold weather. Hopefully Spring will come soon.
Man: I can't wait until Spring.
Woman: Me neither! My divorce will finally come through by then!

Small Talk Quiz

Are the following statements True or False?

1. It is common for people who are waiting together to engage in small talk.
True False

2. Religion is usually considered a "safe" topic for small talk.

True False

3. Children are taught not to speak to strangers who engage them in small talk.
True False

4. It is rude to make small talk with someone who's delivering your mail.
True False

5. Sport is not usually a "safe" topic for small talk.

True False

6. When making small talk, complimenting someone's clothes or hairstyle is usually acceptable.
True False

7. Divisive topics like politics are usually considered unsuitable for small talk.
True False

8. It is common to talk about the weather while sharing an elevator.

True False

9. It is polite to interrupt a conversation in order to make small talk.

True False

10. People often use small talk to fill an uncomfortable silence.

True False

Small Talk
Ms Alice Leyraud – Service des Langues – Université Grenoble
Alpes
alice.leyraud@univ-grenoble-alpes.fr
 Session – Small 5
Talk

1/ Warm-up

Talk to your partner for five minutes about what you did last weekend.

What typical topics of conversation do people in your country talk about with strangers to be polite?

2.a/ Social exchanges

Match the expressions on the left with the definitions on the right:
1. make small talk a a. to have a conversation about unimportant things with someone you don’t know very
well
2. talk shop c b. to start to talk with someone you don’t know
3. have a chat d c. to talk about business with people you work with when you are not at work
4. exchange words e d. to talk to someone in a friendly, informal way
5. strike up a conversation b e. to talk with someone for a very short time

2.b/ Idioms
Match the following idiomatic expressions to their correct meaning and invent a sentence with each idiom:
1. Two months after Tom left her, Janet married another man on the rebound. c
2. I don’t want everyone to know about this, so please keep it to yourself. a
3. I don’t mind lending him money from time to time, but this is getting beyond a joke! d
4. My flatmate is really driving me up the wall! He never does any cleaning. b
5. I have my final exam tomorrow. Keep your fingers crossed for me! e

a. do not tell other people about this secret

b. making me very angry
c. starting a romantic relationship with somebody new while recovering from a previous relationship break-up
d. starting to become annoying
e. wish me good luck

In pairs, describe when you last engaged in the activities above, e.g. I exchanged words with our sales director after the
meeting last Monday.

3.a/ Social expressions

Listen to 5 dialogues and match them to each of the situations below.

https://www.linguahouse.com/esl-lesson-plans/general-english/chatting-and-small-talk/audioplayer/chatting-and-
small-talk-ex3

a. Tell someone a secret. 2

b. Start a trivial（琐碎的） conversation. 5
c. Gossip about someone or something. 1
d. Give someone a compliment. 赞美 4
e. Moan about something. 抱怨 3

Look at the following words and expressions from the dialogues. Match them to their functions:
A 1. Please keep this to yourself. a. asking someone not to tell others something you have said
C 2. Apparently, .. b. introducing something surprising or interesting
D 3. You have my word. c. introducing something you have been told (although you are not certain it’s
true)
E 4. Why don’t you ..? d. making a promise to somebody
B 5. Guess what? e. making a suggestion
Ms Alice Leyraud – Service des Langues – Université Grenoble
Alpes
alice.leyraud@univ-grenoble-alpes.fr
 Session – Small 6
Talk
F
6. That’s very kind of you. f. replying to a compliment
H 7. Nice weather today, isn’t it? g. responding to a suggestion which you think is ridiculous
G 8. You must be joking. h. starting a conversation

Now complete the dialogues with the expressions above:

Mark: Hey, Emma, ……5. Guess what?……………………………………..1 I have some very interesting news about Maria.
Emma: What?
Mark: ………………2. Apparently, ..……………………………………2 she has a new boyfriend.
Emma: Really? But hasn’t she just split up with Nick?
Mark: I think she must be on the rebound.
Mark: Hey Emma, We’re going to organise a party for Tom’s birthday.
Emma: Great!
Mark: Yes, but ………Please keep this to yourself.………………………………3. It’s a surprise party and we wouldn’t want him to
find out.
Emma: I won’t tell a soul. …………You have my word. ………………………………4.
Simon: Hi Alice, sorry I’m late. I was stuck in traffic again for almost half an hour this time. It’s getting beyond a joke.
Alice: ……………Why don’t you………………………………..5 take the underground?
Simon: ………………You must be joking.……………………………..6! The tube really drives me up the wall. It’s so overcrowded
these days.
Simon: Your hair looks really nice today.
Alice: Thank you. ……………That’s very kind of you.…………………………………….7.
Simon: Would you like to go out for a coffee this weekend?
Mark: ……………………………………………………..8?
Emma: Yes. Lovely. I hope it stays like this for the rest of the weekend.
Mark: Keep your fingers crossed!

3.b/ Making conversation

Match the following conversation openers with the responses on the right:
1. Haven’t we met somewhere before? a. I’ve found it very practical so far. I can’t wait to implement
some of the ideas that have been discussed.
2. Mind if I join you? b. Not at all. Be my guest.
3. How do you like our new location? c. That’s right. It’s good to see you again. You haven’t changed a
bit.
4. How are you enjoying the conference? d. Well, it’s certainly a nice change. I see you have a splendid
view of the cathedral from your conference room.
5. What are you having? e. Whatever you’re having is fine.
6. Daniel, long time no see. It must be 6 years or so. f. Yes, I think so. I can’t quite remember where though.
7. Do you two know each other? g. Yes, we’re old colleagues. We go back about seven years.

Now listen and complete the rest of the mini dialogues:

Dialogue 1
A: A_______________________________________ , my name’s Helen Rice, from Global Training Solutions.
B: Oh right_______________________________________ , it was probably at the management skills development conference in
London last year. How do you do. I’m Susan Clarke.

Dialogue 2
A: Wonderful canteen you have here.
B: Yes, we do. I s________________________________ you’ve ordered the mushroom soup. G___________________ c_______________________ !
Ms Alice Leyraud – Service des Langues – Université Grenoble
Alpes
alice.leyraud@univ-grenoble-alpes.fr
 Session – Small 7
Talk

Dialogue 3
A: Yes, it c__________________________ b______________________ all those grey apartment blocks that surrounded our previous
headquarters. W____________________________ are you located?

Dialogue 4
A: Yes, we’ve c _______________________had our f_____________________ share of marketing experts today. Talking of marketing,
how’s your new campaign c______________________ along?

Dialogue 5
A: Right. Two beers i__________ is t_______________.

Dialogue 6
A: Neither h_______________ you. I’m t________________________ that you are now the regional manager.
B: Yes, that’s right. It’s quite a challenge, you know.
A: I bet!

Dialogue 7
C: Actually it’s m_______________________ l________________________ eight. We first started working together during the company
merger.

Link: https://www.linguahouse.com/esl-lesson-plans/business-english/small-talk/audioplayer/small-talk-ex3

4/ Grammar - Question tags

Read the following information on using question tags:

When we invite someone to agree with us, for example to emphasize a statement or start a conversation, we can add
question tag to a statement, e.g. Nice weather today, isn’t it?

Question tags can also be used to ask real questions, for example when you want to make a suggestion, ask for something
or check that your information is correct, e.g. Let’s go out for a drink, shall we?
You’re coming to the party tonight, aren’t you?
You don’t know where Anne is, do you?

Listen and notice the difference in intonation:

Inviting agreement: Lovely day, isn’t it?
Checking/asking for things or information: It’s time to go home, isn’t it?
Inviting agreement: Tom isn’t coming, is he?
Checking/asking for things or information: You don’t have a dictionary I could borrow, do you?

Question tags are formed with an auxiliary verb (have, was, will, shall etc.), do/does for the present simple, and did for
past simple.
Complete the following rules by crossing out the incorrect alternative:
We normally use a positive/negative question tag after a positive sentence and a positive/negative question tag after a
negative sentence.

5/ Grammar practice
Now complete the following sentences with question tags. Read your answers aloud and listen to check.
1. Excuse me, you don’t have the time on you, ………………………………………..? / Yes, it’s 3 o’clock.

2. She’s a very pretty woman, ……………………………………..? / Yes, she’s gorgeous.

3. Let’s go to the cinema, …………………………………………..? / Sure. Good idea.

4. He didn’t come in to work today, …………………………………….? / Yes, I know. And it’s not the first time!

5. Paula won’t pass her exams, ………………………………………….? / Probably not. She’s hardly studied at all.

Ms Alice Leyraud – Service des Langues – Université Grenoble

Alpes
alice.leyraud@univ-grenoble-alpes.fr
 Session – Small 8
Talk

6. I saw Martin yesterday in the pub. / But he’s supposed to be on holiday, …………………………………..?

7. It was a great match yesterday, ………………………………………………….? / Yeah, fantastic result for England.

8. Marta’s been absent quite a lot recently, ……………………………………? / Yeah, she probably has the flu again.

9. Excuse me, you don’t have a dictionary I could borrow, ………………………………………? / Yes, I do. Here you are.

10. He was very cheerful this morning, …………………………………………………….? / Yes, I know. He probably had a good

weekend.

5/ Role play
In pairs, imagine/ write mini-dialogues for three of the following situations using language from this lesson.
Act out the dialogues when they are ready:
1. There has been a scandal involving the president of your country. Gossip about it.
2. You are waiting to board a plane at an airport. The flight has already been delayed by two hours.
You decide to start a conversation with the person sitting next to you in the departure lounge.
3. You see your friend for the first time in a month. He/she has a new look. Give him/her a compliment.
4. You are going to move to another town and you decide to tell your best friend, but you want him/her to keep it a secret
for now.
5. You want to know the time and you decide to ask a stranger on the street.
6. You are discussing with a friend where to go out for the evening. Your friend suggests the most expensive restaurant in
town.
7. You are going shopping with a friend. It is late and you think that the shopping centre closes at 9pm, but you are not
sure.

To do a presentation
1. bang
2. opening
3. message
4. bridge
5. examples
6. recap
7. bang

Here’s the translation of the presentation about the **history of chocolate**:

### 1. **Bang (Attention-grabbing start)**

- Start with an engaging fact or question to grab the audience’s attention.
- For example: "Did you know? The history of chocolate dates back over 3,000 years to
Central America, where it wasn’t a dessert but a sacred beverage."

### 2. **Opening**
- Briefly introduce the historical background of chocolate and provide an overview of
your presentation.
- "Today, we’ll explore the long history of chocolate, from its role as a drink in ancient
civilizations to its transformation into a beloved treat in the modern world. We’ll see how
chocolate has evolved over the centuries."

### 3. **Message**
Ms Alice Leyraud – Service des Langues – Université Grenoble
Alpes
alice.leyraud@univ-grenoble-alpes.fr
 Session – Small 9
Talk

- Convey the core message you want to express.

- "Chocolate has meant different things to different cultures throughout history. It
evolved from a drink symbolizing wealth and sanctity to the sweet snack we all know and love
today."

### 4. **Bridge**
- Use a transition sentence to smoothly guide into the next topic.
- "To understand chocolate’s cultural significance, let’s travel back to its origins—ancient
Mesoamerican civilizations."

### 5. **Examples**
- Provide concrete examples and interesting details to support your message.
- For example:
- **Ancient civilizations**: "The history of chocolate can be traced back to 1500 BC,
when the Mayans and Aztecs made a bitter beverage from cocoa beans, often used in religious
ceremonies."
- **As currency**: "In the Aztec civilization, cocoa beans were even used as currency,
symbolizing wealth and power."
- **Introduction to Europe**: "In the 16th century, Spanish conquistadors brought
chocolate to Europe, where it was initially a luxury reserved for royalty. It wasn’t until the
Industrial Revolution that chocolate became accessible to the general public."

### 6. **Recap**
- Summarize the key historical phases you’ve discussed, helping the audience recall the
evolution of chocolate.
- "From an ancient drink in Central America, to a European luxury for the aristocracy, to
today’s global industry, the history of chocolate spans thousands of years."

### 7. **Bang (Strong closing)**

- End with a powerful closing statement or a thought-provoking question.
- For example: "Next time you enjoy chocolate, remember it’s more than just a tasty treat
—it’s a product of a rich history filled with adventure, trade, and cultural exchange. Will you
still see it the same way?"

By using this structure, your presentation on the history of chocolate will be both engaging and
informative, capturing the audience’s attention while effectively conveying your message.

Ms Alice Leyraud – Service des Langues – Université Grenoble

Alpes
alice.leyraud@univ-grenoble-alpes.fr