Small talk
Big Talk
Unmentionables
Adding thoughts & Asking Questions
The Nonverbals
100

Name 3 common Small Talk Topics 

 Weather, upcoming holidays, crowds, traffic, last night's game, construction going on in front of you(or any combo of these)

100

Name 2  ways to keep a conversation going. 

Maintain eye contact

Turn your body toward the speaker

Ask questions

Make related comments

100

When you are told, "please keep your conversation work-appropriate" what does that mean? 

Your topics and language must adhere to the workplace's code of conduct

100

Add a related comment to this:

"The holiday is only one week away." 

"I know. I'm not ready" / "I can't deal." / "I'm psyched." / "meh" / 

100

Name 3 nonverbal things you can do to show you are actively listening to someone speak to you

eye contact, lean in toward speaker, nod head, maintain proximity

200

Someone says, "Can you believe this weather?" Give an appropriate response

"Yeah, I can't believe it"  

"I didn't expect this."

"It's amazing"  (or something similar) 

200

A close family member is diagnosed with a serious illness. Which level of friend would it be appropriate to discuss this with

Close friend, best friend, old friend

200

Why is it inappropriate to tell your manager the same joke that you told your close friend?

Your manager is considered to be a more formal relationship than your close friend, so the audience for that joke would be inappropriate. (and may violate some work rules) 

200

Add 2 related comments to this statement. "My dog got sick last night."

"I hope he's ok." "That's too bad." "I wonder what happened"  "Did you take care of him"  "Did you take him to the vet?"  "Oh no."  "My dog gets sick a lot too" 

200

What are 3 ways people can tell you nonverbally that they are not listening, or tired of listening 

turning away, looking at their phone, looking at their watch, tapping feet or hands, rolling eyes, giving "the look" to someone else in the room 

300
The length of time a typical small talk conversation lasts. 

There is no specific length to small talk. The purpose is to establish rapport, gain trust, and set the stage for a more meaningful connection

300

Name 2 topics that might be considered "bigger" than small talk topics

relationships, politics, sexuality, illness, income 

300

What is the definition of "hot-button topic"

Definition of hot button

: an emotional and usually controversial issue or concern that triggers immediate intense reaction 

(https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hot%20button)

300

Add 3 related topics after hearing this statement: I have never seen a Star Wars movie. 

"why not?" "Me neither" "I always liked those movies."  "I saw one when I was younger"  "My brother loves those." Or any  3 other closely related comments or questions. 

300

What are 2 nonverbals you should keep in mind when on a remote or facetime meeting

Your body posture, what you are doing with your hands at any given time, making sure face is clean, your clothing is school appropriate, your camera is on if required

400
Someone says to you, "Wow, did you see that new building going up?"  What is an appropriate response?

"Which building?"

"Yeah, its gonna be amazing"

"Yes, looks like a lot of work"

(or similar response). 

400

Is our medical history a good topic for small talk?

Generally talking about our health is not a good small talk topic as it is personal.
400

What are 2 of the worst topics to consider when starting small talk?

Death, religion, politics, age, appearance, gossip, offensive jokes, a monologue, past relationships


400

Make 4 work-appropriate single word associations for the following word: work


colleagues, learning, money, manager

400

If you are multitasking should you tell your listener?

Yes, because then they won't think you are being rude or not listening to them. 

500

What are 3 different ways you could start a small talk convo about the 1st day back at work after the Christmas break

1. I cant believe we are back.

2. How was your Christmas?

3. I'm glad we finally came back. 

500

Is politics a small talk topic or a conversation for close friends and family.

It is best to avoid talking about politics as small talk but talking about it with your friends and family is okay.

500
Define the terms: one-sided conversation &

one-sided friendship

1.It means that one speaker dominated the conversation, without really giving the other person any opportunities to participate.

2.a relationship where one person has to put in more work than the other person does to uphold the relationship. Because of this, there's an imbalance of effort. A one-sided friendship can be painful.

500

Ask 4 wondering questions about the following statement:  "I hate flying on airplanes." 

"Why?"  "Did you have a bad experience" "Have you ever been on a plane?" "When was the last time you went on a plane"  "Do you get motion sickness?"  "How come?"  (or any 4 closely related and realistic questions about that person's feelings)

500

Accroding to some research, in certain situations, what percent of communication is nonverbal? A.50% B.75% C.86% D. 93%

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