Topics
Which is the better topic for small talk?
A: an upcoming music festival
B: an upcoming election
A: an upcoming music festival
Politics should be avoided in small talk.
Which question is better for small talk?
A: Are you from Monroe?
B: Are you retired yet?
A: Are you from Monroe?
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 Juda.
B: Juda, how about you?
B: Juda, how about you?
Option B asks them about themselves.
Who would it be best to approach to make small talk?
A: A person looking intently at their phone and texting without looking up.
B. A person who is glancing 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.
What should you do if you do NOT want to continue talking to someone?
A: Tell them you have to go but that it was nice to meet them.
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: Oh I hate science!
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.
Which is the best way to start a conversation when you see someone walking their dog?
A: Show interest in their dog and then ask questions about it.
B: Ask the person what their hobbies are.
A: Show interest in their dog and then ask questions about it.
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: Income
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 pets?
B: How old is your puppy?
A: Do you have any pets?
It wouldn't make sense to ask question B before asking them about whether they have pets.
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 alone?
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 ask you questions after you have asked them some questions.
B. When they are answering all of your questions with one-word answers.
B. When they are answering all of your questions with one-word answers.