Vocabulary
What does "to break the ice" mean?
Answer: To make people feel more relaxed and comfortable at the start of a conversation.
What does crossed arms usually signal?
Answer: Closed posture — defensiveness, discomfort, or disagreement
Name 3 safe small talk topics for a first meeting.
Answer: Weather, weekend plans, hobbies, travel, food, sports.
what is a stereotype?
Answer: A fixed, oversimplified idea about a group of people.
sing 10 seconds of any song in English. No points if you refuse!
Surprise task.
Give a synonym for "outgoing" and its opposite.
Answer: Synonym: sociable / friendly / extroverted. Opposite: introverted / shy / reserved.
Name three positive body language signals during a first meeting.
Answer: Eye contact, genuine smile, open posture, nodding, leaning slightly forward.
Name 2 topics to avoid in small talk.
Answer: Salary, politics, religion, age, weight, marital status.
Why do quiet people often seem "introverted" when they're actually just nervous?
Because our brain makes fast judgements based on behaviour - shyness looks like coldness.
Introduce yourself to the opposite team in exactly 3 sentences. No "um" allowed!
Surprise task.
Use "to win someone over" in a full sentence about a first date.
Answer (example): He won her over with his sense of humour and genuine interest.
Why can too much eye contact be a problem?
It can feel aggressive, intense, or uncomfortable — it may seem like staring.
Turn this closed question into an open question: "Do you like your job?"
Answer: "What do you enjoy most about your job?" / "How did you get into your job?"
What is "active listening"? Give an example.
Fully focusing, nodding, asking follow-up questions, paraphrasing: "So you mean...?"
Give a genuine compliment to a person on your left. It must be specific and sincere.
Surprise task.
What's the difference between "small talk" and a "deep conversation"?
Answer: Small talk = light, polite, about neutral topics (weather, weekend). Deep conversation = meaningful, personal, about values and feelings.
What is "mirroring" and why do people do it?
Answer: Subtly copying the other person's gestures or posture. It builds rapport and shows you're "on the same wavelength."
A conversation dies. Give 3 phrases to keep it going.
Answer: "That's interesting — how come?" / "Really? Tell me more." / "What about you?"
Why is awkward silence NOT a failure?
It's a natural pause that gives both people time to think and shows you're comfortable.
Speak for 1 minute about "YOUR BEST DAY IN LIFE"
Surprise task.
Explain "to be on the same wavelength" and give a personal example.
To think and feel similarly, to understand each other easily.
You're at a job interview. Describe 3 body language mistakes to avoid.
Answer: Slouching, avoiding eye contact, fidgeting, crossing arms, checking your phone.
Act out 2 MINUTES of small talk with your teammate at a bus stop. (No preparation!)
Answer: Evaluated by the teacher for fluency, naturalness, and open questions.
How can you overcome your comfort zone when meeting new people? Give 3 strategies.
Prepare open questions in advance, practice small talk, focus on the other person instead of yourself.
role-play for 1 minute: you're meeting your favourite celebrity. Win them over!
Surprise task.