Small talk
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)
Name 2 ways to keep a conversation going.
Maintain eye contact
Turn your body toward the speaker
Ask questions
Make related comments
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
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" /
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
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)
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
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)
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"
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
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
Name 2 topics that might be considered "bigger" than small talk topics
relationships, politics, sexuality, illness, income
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
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.
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
"Which building?"
"Yeah, its gonna be amazing"
"Yes, looks like a lot of work"
(or similar response).
Is our medical history a good topic for small talk?
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
Make 4 work-appropriate single word associations for the following word: work
colleagues, learning, money, manager
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.
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.
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.
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.
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)
Accroding to some research, in certain situations, what percent of communication is nonverbal? A.50% B.75% C.86% D. 93%