Topics
Which is the better topic for small talk?
A: a new music festival
B: a new politician
A: an upcoming music festival
Politics should be avoided in small talk.
Which question is better for small talk?
A: Are you from Newfoundland?
B: Are you retired yet?
A: Are you from Newfoundland?
Asking someone if they are retired suggests they look old.
Which is the better response to the question "Where are you from?"
A: I'm from Albania.
B: Albania, how about you?
B: Albania, how about you?
Option B asks them about themselves.
Who would it be best to approach to make small talk?
A: A person looking at their phone and texting without looking up.
B. A person who is looking casually at their phone but also occasionally looking up at what is going on around them.
B. A person who is glancing casually at their phone but also occasionally looking up at what is going on around them.
You don't want to talk to someone anymore. What should you do?
A: Say: "Nice talking to you, but I gotta go."
B. Keep talking to them because it is considered rude to end a conversation.
A: Tell them you have to go but that it was nice to meet them.
Which is the better topic for small talk?
A: Health
B: Weather
B: Weather
If someone is in poor health, this could be a sensitive topic.
Which question is better for small talk?
A: Did you have a good weekend?
B: What did you do this weekend?
B: What did you do this weekend?
It's an open-ended question so it encourages the other person to answer with more than one word.
When you ask someone "What are you studying at university?" and they say "Chemistry," what is the better response?
A: I don't know anything about that!
B: How did you get interested in chemistry?
B: How did you get interested in chemistry?
Even if you know nothing about the topic yourself, you can ask the other person to elaborate on their answer.
You see your neighbour walking their dog. What can you say to start a conversation?
A: Cute puppy. How old is she?
B: What are your hobbies?
A: Show interest in their dog and then ask questions about it (use the context: what you see)
What should you do if someone looks at their watch or phone while you are engaged in small talk with them?
A: Politely end the conversation because they are very likely not interested in talking any longer.
B: Ignore it and keep talking as if nothing happened.
A: Politely end the conversation because they are very likely not interested in talking any longer.
Which is the better topic for small talk?
A: Work
B: Salary
A: Work
Note: Only ask a stranger about their work if they mention it first. NEVER ask someone how much they make.
Which is the better question?
A: Do you have any children?
B: How old is your child?
B: How old is your child?
Question B means that you already know someone has children. We want to avoid A as it's personal information that could be a sensitive topic for the other person.
If someone asks you something personal, what is the best response?
A: Calmly explain that you would rather not answer the question.
B: Walk away without saying anything.
A: Calmly explain that you would rather not answer the question.
Unless they are being very rude, it's best to always remain polite.
Which is the best way to start small talk with someone at a party?
A: Hi, my name is ____. How do you know the host?
B: Did you come to the party by yourself?
A: Hi, my name is ____. How do you know the host?
When should you stop trying to make small talk with someone?
A: When they doing most of the talking and you are hardly talking at all.
B. When they are answering all of your questions with one-word answers.
Both!
Name three appropriate topics for small talk
Weather
Work
Children
Pets
Hobbies
Vacation
Weekend plans
Entertainment
Ask a question about the weather.
"Do you know if it's snowing tomorrow?"
You hear a classmate say "I'm going to the cinema on the weekend". What can you say?
"Oh nice, what are you watching?"
"Who are you going with?"
"Which cinema?"
You're in line at a coffee shop and notice the person next to you is wearing a hoodie with your favorite video game. What’s a friendly way to start a conversation?
"I love your hoodie. That's my favourite video game!"
You're speaking with a friend on the street, but you have an appointment soon. How can you end the conversation?
"I'm so sorry, I have an appointment soon. It was lovely catching up. See you!"
You are talking to someone. They mention their wedding. You ask "Oh I didn't know you were getting married. What does your fiance do?"
Is this ok? Why?
Yes, because they mentioned it first.
Ask a question about a classmate.
Do you know if X likes ...?
A friend tells you they are going to have a party next month. What can you say?
"Sounds great. What's the occassion?"
You're at the grocery store checkout. What’s a friendly comment/question you can make to the cashier?
"How's your day going?
Busy day huh?"
What are two different ways to close a conversation?
1. give and excuse
2. give a compliment