Introduction

Some of the following materials are specifically designed for persons whose native language is Chinese.

Lesson 14

Section 1

Mastering Small Talk

The ability to make "small talk" is highly valued. In fact, many English students are more interested in making effective small talk than knowing correct grammar structures, and rightly so! Small talk gets friendships started and "breaks the ice" before meetings and in social situations.

What Is Small Talk?

Small Talk is pleasant conversation about common interests.

Why Is Small Talk Difficult for Some English Learners?

Making small talk is not difficult only for English learners, but for many native speakers of English. However, small talk can be especially difficult for some English learners because making small talk means talking about almost anything, and that means having a wide vocabulary that can cover most topics. Many English learners have vocabulary in specific areas, but may have difficulties discussing topics they are unfamiliar with because of a lack of appropriate vocabulary.

This lack of vocabulary leads to some students "blocking", a halt of flow of thought. They slow down or stop speaking because of a lack of self-confidence.

Improving Small Talk Skills

Making effective small talk means lots of practice, but keeping the following tips in mind should improve overall conversational skills.

Do Some Research​

Spend time on the internet, reading magazines, or watching TV specials about the type of people you expect to meet. For example, if you are meeting a group from other countries, take time to do some research. They will appreciate your effort and your conversations will be much more interesting.

Stay Away From Religion and 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 small talk light.

Use the Internet to Gain Specific Vocabulary​

If you are meeting people who share a common interest (e.g. a sport, type of art, etc.), take advantage of the internet to learn specific vocabulary. Almost all interest groups have glossaries on the internet explaining the most important jargon related to their activity.

Ask Yourself About Your Culture​

Take time to make a list of common interests that are discussed when making small talk in your own culture. You can do this in your own language, but check to make sure that you have the English vocabulary to make small talk about those subjects.

Find Common Interests​

Once you have a subject of interest, keep to it! You can do this in a number of ways: talking about travel, talking about the school or friend you have in common, or talking about the differences between your culture and the new culture.

Listen

This is very important. Don't get so worried about being able to communicate that you don't listen. Listening carefully will help you understand and encourage those speaking to you. You might be nervous, but letting others speak will improve the quality of the discussion and give you time to think of what to say next!

Section 2

Common Small Talk Subjects

Here is a list of common small talk subjects. If you have difficulties speaking about any of these topics, try to improve your vocabulary by using the resources available to you (Internet, magazines, etc.)

• Sports

• Hobbies

• Weather

• Family

• Films

• Books

• Magazines

• Holidays

• Home town

• Home country

• Job

• Fashion

• Celebrities

Here is a list of topics that aren't usually very good for small talk.

• Politics

• Relationships

• Religion

• Death

The ability to make small talk comfortably is one of the most desired objectives of almost any English student. The function of small talk is the same the world over. However, which topics are appropriate for small talk can vary from culture to culture.

Exercise #1

Divide into groups of 3 - 5 classmates.

• Make note of subjects you find difficult. As a class, brainstorm on appropriate comments.

Section 3

Understanding Forms Used in Small Talk

Exercise #2

Divide into teams of 3 - 5 classmates.

Working as a team, go through the following exercise:

1. Match up the items in the three columns below in the following steps:

   • First, match the conversational purpose (column 1) to the expression (column 2).

   • Then identify its appropriate grammar structure (column 3).

2. Note: Your team may be called upon to review your conclusions with the rest of the class.

The answers will be discussed as a class.

Section 4

Exercise #3

Divide into teams of 3 - 5 classmates.

Working as a team, go through the following exercise:

1. Discuss whether the topics below are appropriate for making small talk.

   • Note: You may decide that some topics are appropriate in certain situations but not in others.

2. For topics which are appropriate, think of one interesting comment to make.

3. For topics which are not appropriate, explain why you believe they are not appropriate for small talk.

Potential Small Talk Discussion Topics

• The latest films.

• The one true path to eternal life.

• The local basketball team.

• Cars.

• A product you would like to sell to everyone.

• The death penalty.

• Your hometown.

• How much you make.

• Your last holiday.

• Your favorite movie-star.

• The correct political party.

• The weather.

• Gardening.

• Your health problems.

• Your family.

Exercise #4

Divide into teams of 6 classmates.

Working as a group, go through the following exercise:

1. Throw a die to choose whose turn it is.

2. Move forward from one subject to the next in the list below.

3. When you get to the end, return to the beginning to start again.

4. You have 30 seconds to make a comment about the suggested subject.

5. If you don't, you lose your turn!

Subject List:

1. Your best friend.

2. The last film you saw.

3. Pets.

4. Music.

5. A magazine.

6. Learning a language.

7. Playing a sport.

8. Your current job or hobby.

9. An interesting excursion nearby.

10. The Internet.

11. Movie stars.

12. Keeping healthy.

13. Human cloning.

14. Your favorite food.

15. Moving to a new country.

16. The last book you read.

17. Your worst holiday.

18. Something you've never done, but would like to do.

19. Teachers - what you like.

20. Teachers - what you don't like.

This is the end of Lesson 14.