Small Talk (o charlas de cortesía)
Dear teachers and language learners 💓
Why is developing small talk important?
During the Pandemic many of us meet lots of new friends, co-workers, classmates or acquaintances online; and although we built beautiful relationships with new people, we haven't personally met many of them yet. Small talk is the perfect way to approach to them building a more natural rapport.
Small talk is also very useful for daily and cassual exchange with those we meet at the office or we share video-calls or webinars every now and then.
Practising small talk is the best way to be ready when that time comes. It will help you boost your confidence and feel that you have a toolbox of useful phrases to start a conversation with others using a friendly and warm greeting.
If you are a learner, you can use these phrases to practice with your co-workers, English classmates or when the next business meeting comes.
If you are a teacher, you can share this list with your students and allow them the access to your online classroom 5 minutes before class ~on Zoom you can even allow them the access if you are not there. For in-person classes, you can share this list with your students and invite them to practice including this phrases to start a conversation when they get to the classroom before the class starts.
Personalize these lines and start practising on a daily basis. Before you know it, you'll feel confident enough to start a conversation!
The following lines have been borrowed from englishclub.com and you can see them straigh from the source: https://www.englishclub.com/speaking/small-talk_conversation-starters.php
I'm just sharing the list here for practical reasons.
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?
- 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?
by Maria Soledad BancoffTranslator & Lecturer
I hope you enjoy and find this entry useful! Feel free to comment and share this content. Your contribution and comments make a huge difference to me. They encourage my work and help me to reach more educators.
Thank you!! See you soon!
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