Small talk

Making Small TalkMaking Small TalkThe ability to make 'small talk' is highly valued. In fact, many English students are more interested in making effective small talk than knowing correct grammar structures - and rightly so! Small talk gets friendships started and 'breaks the ice' before important business meetings and other events.What is small talk?Small talk is pleasant conversation about common interests.How to Improve Small Talk SkillsNow that we understand the problem, the next step is to improve the situation. Here are some tips to improve small talk skills. Of course, making effective small talk means lots of practice, but keeping these tips in mind should improve overall conversational skills.Do some researchSpend time on the Internet, reading magazines, or watching TV specials about the type of people you are going to meet. For example: If you are taking a class with students from other countries, take time after the first few days of class to do some research. They will appreciate your interest and your conversations will be much more interesting.Stay away from religion/strong political beliefsWhile you may believe in something very strongly, beginning conversations and making small talk about your own personal convictions may abruptly end the conversation. Keep it light, don't try to convince the other person that you have the 'correct' information about a higher being, political system or other belief system.Use the Internet to gain specific vocabularyThis is related to doing research about other people. If you have a business meeting, or are meeting people who share a common interest (a basketball team, a tour group interested in art, etc.), take advantage of the Internet to learn specific vocabulary. Almost all businesses and interest groups have glossaries on the Internet explaining the most important jargon related to their business or activity.Formal Greetings: ArrivingGood morning / afternoon / evening.Hello (name), how are you?Good day Sir / Madam (very formal)Informal Greetings: ArrivingHi / HelloHow are you?What's up? (very informal)How are you doing? (very informal)It's important to note that the question "How are you?" or "What's up?" doesn't necessary need a response. If you do respond, these phrases are generally expected:Very well, thank you. And you? (formal)Fine / Great (informal)Formal Greetings: DepartingGood morning / afternoon / evening.It was a pleasure seeing you.Goodbye.Note: After 8 p.m. - Good night.Informal Greetings: DepartingGoodbye / Bye.See you (later).Later (very informalAsk yourself about your cultureTake time to make a list of common interests that are discussed when making small talk in your own culture. You can do this in your own language, but check to make sure that you have the English vocabulary to make small talk about those subjects.Find common interestsOnce you have a subject that interests both of you, keep to it! You can do this in a number of ways: talking about travel, talking about the school or friend you have in common, talking about the differences between your culture and the new culture (just be careful to make comparisons and not judgments, i.e., The food in our country is better than the food here in England").ListenThis is very important. Don't get so worried about being able to communicate that you don't listen. Listening carefully will help you understand and encourage those speaking to you. You might be nervous, but letting others state their opinions will improve the quality of thediscussion - and give you time to think of an answer!Here is a list of common small talk subjects. If you have difficulties speaking about any of these topics, try to improve your vocabulary by using the resources available to you (Internet, magazines, teachers at school, etc.)•Sports - current matches or games, favorite teams, etc.•Hobbies•Weather - boring, but can get the ball rolling!•Family - general questions, not questions about private matters•Media - films, books, magazines, etc.•Holidays - where, when, etc. but NOT how much!•Home town - where do you come from, how is it different/similar to this town •Job - once again, general questions not too specific•Latest fashion and trends•Celebrities - any gossip you may have!Hot Questions to start a small talkFive Basic FactsThese five questions will help you get to know people. They are simple questions with simple answers and provide information so you can ask more questions.What is your name?Where do you live?What do you do?Are you married?Where are you from?More questions for ...These questions help to continue the conversation after your first question."What is your name?"It's a pleasure to meet you. Where are you from?That's an interesting name. Is it Chinese / French / Indian, etc.?"Where do you live?"How long have you lived there?Do you like that neighborhood?Do you live in an apartment or house?"What do you do?"Which company do you work for?How long have you had that job?Do you like your job?What's the best / worst thing about your job?What do you like best / least about your job?"Where are you from?"Where is ....?How long did you live there?What is XYZ like?Do you like living here?Hobbies / Free TimeThese questions will help you continue conversations and find out more about people's likes and dislikes.What do you like doing in your free time?Can you play tennis / golf / soccer / etc.?What kind of films / food / vacations do you enjoy?What do you do on weekends / Saturdays?More questions for ...These questions will help you ask for more detail."What do you like doing in your free time?"How often do you (listen to music, eat out in restaurants, etc.)?Where do you (listen to music, eat out in restaurants, etc.) in this town?Why do you like (listening to music, eating out in restaurants, etc.) so much?"Can you play tennis / golf / soccer / etc.?"Do you enjoy playing tennis /golf /soccer /etc.?How long have you played tennis /golf /soccer /etc.?Who do you play tennis /golf /soccer /etc. with?"What kind of films / food / vacations do you enjoy?"What's the best place to see /eat / go on vacations?What's the best type of film /food / vacation, etc. in your opinion?How often do you watch films / eat out / go on vacation?"What do you do on weekends / Saturdays?"Where do you go to ...?Could you recommend a good place to (go shopping / take my children swimming / etc.)? How long have you done that?Here is a list of topics that probably aren't very good for small talk. Of course, if you are meeting a close friend these topics may be excellent. Just remember that 'small talk' is generally discussion with people you don't know very well.•Salary - how much do you make? - That's none of your business!•Politics - wait to you get to know the person better•Intimate relationships - only for you and your partner - or maybe your best friend •Religion - tolerance is the key!•Death - we need to face it, but not the first time we meet someone new •Financial - related to salary above, most people prefer to keep financial information to themselves•Sales - Don't try to sell something to someone you have just met.This video with Ellen Quish, an ESL specialist from the Adult Learning Center at LaGuardia Community College in New York City, will help you practice ways of introducing yourself. The video highlights the most common English introduction vocabulary and phrases.。

Module 1 Small Talk(主题语境——良好的人际关系与社会交往) 1．consult vt. 请教；商量 2.forgive vt. 原谅3．relax vt.& vi. (使)放松 4.relaxing adj. 令人轻松的5．relaxed adj. 轻松的 6.enthusiastic adj. 热情的7．sincere adj. 真诚的 8.modest adj. 谦虚的9．reliable adj. 可信赖的 10.patient adj. 有耐心的11．trust vt. 相信；信任 plain vt.& vi. 抱怨13．embarrass vt. 使尴尬 14.appreciate vt. 欣赏，感激15．appreciation n. 欣赏，感激 16.friendliness n. 友情，友善17．admit vt. 承认，允许 18.allow vt. 允许；许可19．recommend vt. 推荐，介绍 20.remind vt. 提醒21．advise vt. 建议 22.avoid vt. 避免23．ignore vt. 不理睬；忽视 24.disagree vi. 不同意25．disturb vt. 打扰 26.refuse vt. 拒绝27．reject vt. 拒绝；排斥 28.regret v. 抱歉，后悔29．warn v. 警告 30.topic n. 话题31．conversation n. 交谈 32.chat v．& n. 聊天；闲谈33．gossip vi.& n. 闲话 34.awkwardness n. 尴尬35．prejudice n. 偏见1．make up 和解2．communicate with 与……交流3．pass the time 打发时间4．share...with... 与……分享……5．depend/rely on 依靠，相信6．have...in common 有共同之处7．be on good terms with sb. 与某人关系好8．be honest with sb. 对某人很坦诚9．think highly/much of sb. 对某人评价高10．have words with... 与……发生口角11．calm...down (使)平静下来；(使)镇静下来12．get through 接通电话13．call up/ring up 打电话14．take it easy 别紧张15．good manners 有礼貌16．wait in line 排队等候17．call off 取消18．turn down 拒绝19．get/be tired of 对……厌烦20．have trouble in doing sth. 在做某事方面有困难1．Not only are they modest, but also they are very polite to teachers and other students.他们不仅谦逊而且对老师和其他同学非常有礼貌。

有关small talk的英语作文Small Talk: The Art of Casual Conversation。

Introduction:Small talk, also known as casual conversation, is an essential skill in our daily lives. It helps us build connections, establish rapport, and create a comfortable atmosphere in social and professional settings. In this article, we will explore the importance of small talk, discuss its benefits, and provide some useful tips for engaging in effective and meaningful conversations.Body:1. The Importance of Small Talk:Small talk serves as an icebreaker, allowing individuals to establish a connection before delving into deeper topics. It helps create a friendly and welcoming environment, making interactions more enjoyable for everyone involved. Moreover, small talk can lead to valuable opportunities, such as forming new friendships, networking, or even discovering common interests.2. Benefits of Small Talk:a. Building Relationships: Engaging in small talk helps strengthen relationships, whether it's with friends, colleagues, or acquaintances. By showing genuine interest in others and actively listening, we can establish a sense of trust and understanding.b. Improving Communication Skills: Regular practice of small talk enhances our communication skills, including active listening, empathy, and effective verbal and non-verbal communication.c. Creating a Positive Atmosphere: Small talk can brighten up any situation, making it more pleasant and comfortable. It helps alleviate tension, promote a positive mood, and foster a sense of belonging.d. Expanding Networks: Small talk is an excellent way to expand our social and professional networks. By initiating conversations and maintaining a friendly demeanor, we can create opportunities for future collaborations or personal growth.3. Tips for Engaging in Small Talk:a. Choose Appropriate Topics: Start with neutral topics such as current events, hobbies, or common interests. Avoid sensitive or controversial subjects that may lead to discomfort or disagreement.b. Show Genuine Interest: Demonstrate curiosity and actively listen to the other person. Ask open-ended questions and encourage them to share their thoughts and experiences.c. Be Mindful of Body Language: Maintain eye contact, smile, and use appropriate gestures to convey interest and engagement. Pay attention to non-verbal cues from the other person and respond accordingly.d. Practice Active Listening: Focus on the speaker, avoid interrupting, and provide verbal or non-verbal cues to show that you are actively listening and interested in what they have to say.e. Be Positive and Polite: Maintain a positive attitude, use polite language, and avoid negative or judgmental comments. Compliments and genuine appreciation can also enhance the conversation.f. Share Personal Experiences: When appropriate, share relevant personal experiences or anecdotes to contribute to the conversation. However, ensure that the conversation remains balanced and not dominated by one person.g. Respect Boundaries: Pay attention to cues that indicate discomfort or disinterest from the other person. Respect their boundaries and gracefully transition to a different topic if needed.Conclusion:In conclusion, small talk plays a crucial role in our daily interactions. It helps us establish connections, build relationships, and create a positive atmosphere. By following the tips mentioned above and practicing active listening, empathy, and effective communication, we can become skilled conversationalists and make small talk an enjoyable and meaningful experience for both ourselves and others. So, let's embrace small talk and unlock the doors to endless possibilities in our personal and professional lives.。

英语Small Talk 的小技巧何为small talk?Small talk: Conversation without real meaning; conversation without any particular purpose; conversation about general subjects; conversation one starts with unfamiliar people in order to be more involved; conversation used to make friends with new people; conversation used to make the atmosphere better.所谓small talk，就是“闲聊、寒暄”的意思，指没有具体意义的对话；没有特殊目的的对话；关于大众话题的对话；为了进一步融入而展开的与陌生人的对话；为了结交新朋友而展开的对话；为了使气氛更融洽而展开的对话。

Good topics（适合的话题）1. How was your flight or train ride? Perhaps the first question you would ask them, out of politeness.旅途如何？这可能是你首先该问的问题，比较礼貌。

2. How is your hotel? If they have already checked into a hotel, you can ask if their accommodations are acceptable to them. Just another polite question.你的旅馆如何？如果他们已经入住的话，你可以问问他们觉得住宿是否可心，这又是一个比较礼貌的问题哦。

3. Do you play any sports? / Do you play golf? This is a good question to ask Western businessmen especially. Most of them do play golf - it has become very, very common in recent years. Others might play tennis, squash or basketball. Most Western women do yoga or at least go to the gym.你做什么运动吗？你打高尔夫吗？这个是可以问西方商务人士的很典型的话题。

选修6Module 1 Small Talk基础自主回顾Ⅰ.课标单词1．__________非正式的(adj.)2．__________严肃的(adj.)3．__________缺乏；缺少(v.)4．__________预先的；在前的(adj.) 5．__________机会(n.)6．__________恩惠；照顾(n.)7．__________回答；答复；回信(n.) 8．__________缺点；短处(n.)9．__________成熟的(adj.)informalseriouslackadvanceopportunityfavourreplyshortcomingmature10．__________谨慎的；慎重的；小心的(adj.)11．__________不管怎么说；无论如何(adv.)12．__________目的(n.)13．__________缺乏；不存在(n.)→__________缺席的；不在的(adj.) 14．__________道歉；致歉(n.)→________________道歉(v.)15．__________打断(v.)→__________打扰；打断(n.)16．__________解释；给……下定义(v.)→__________定义；释放(n.) cautiousanyhowpurposeabsenceabsentapologyapologise/ apologizeinterruptinterruptiondefinedefinition17．__________想象(v.)→__________想象力；幻想；空想(n.)→__________可想象的；想象得出来的(adj.)→__________想象的；虚构的(adj.)→__________想象力丰富的(adj.)imagineimaginableimaginaryimaginativeⅡ.常用短语1．______________________把目光从……移开2．___________________因此；结果3．___________________使某人高兴/振作起来4．__________________知道5．____________________了解(到)；找出(信息) 6．_________________交朋友；建立友谊7．___________________想起；回忆起8．______________________除此之外；另外9．___________________省去；删去10．_________________炫耀look away fromas a consequencecheer sb. upbe aware offind outmake friendsthink ofleave outshow offⅢ.重点句型1．________ to a man about himself, ________ he will speak to you for hours!和一个人谈论他自己，他会和你说上几个小时。

Small Talk: Conversation StartersSmall Talk Practice 1: At a Bus Stop Read the small talk below and find the 10 mistakes. Then check your answers. Woman: We could ask for a better day, could we?Man: I know. There isn't a cloud in the sky. I love this time of year.Woman: Me too. The cherry blossoms are beautiful, you think?Man: They sure are. But I heard he is calling for rain all weekend.Woman: Really? Oh well. I have to work all weekend anyway. I'm a doctor. Man: Wow. I'm sure you make good money with that diamond watch you have on. Woman: Ah, this bus seems to be running late. How long of a wait is it already? Man: I've been here for at least fifteen minutes now.Woman: Where are you heading today?Man: Actually, I'm going to the City Hall to cast my vote for mayor.Woman: Oh, what a coincidence. So am I! Who are you voting for?Man: Um, well...I'm still thinking about it.Woman: Here comes a bus now.Man: Oh good. Wait, that's not the bus we want. That bus goes downtown. Woman: Well, it looks like we'll be waiting a little longer. I guess, I'll use this time to catch up on my reading.Man: I love reading. Right now I'm reading a Stephen King book. Do you like Stephen King?Woman: Not really.Man: Oh, here's our bus.Woman: Oh great. I thought it would never come. Well, have a nice day.Man: Say, did you catch the news today?Small Talk Practice 2: At the OfficeRead the small talk below and find the 10 mistakes. Then check your answers. Woman: Hi there.Man: Hi. I haven't seen you around here before. Have you been working long? Woman: No, I've only been here a few months. I work in the Human Resources Department.Man: Oh, you must make more money than I do then. I'm in Sales.Woman: Sales sounds like an interesting job.Man: It's okay. Hey, you look like you could really have a coffee.Woman: Yes, it's been a really hectic week.Man: Tell me about it! At least it's supposing to be a nice weekend.Woman: Yes, I've listened that they are calling for blue skies.Man: Say, did you happen to catch the game last night?Woman: No, I was working late.Man: It was a great game. We won in overtime.Woman: Actually, I don't even know who was playing. I don't really follow sports. Man: The Chiefs! Do you think they're going to make it to the finals this year? Woman: I'm not sure. Well, I better get back to my desk.Man: Speaking of desks, what do you think of the new office furniture? Woman: It's nice, but I would rather get paid for my overtime hours than have new furniture.Man: Oh. Well, I think I'll be heading home early today. It might be snow. Woman: I know. I can't believe all of this cold weather. Hopefully Spring will come soon.Man: I can't wait until Spring.Woman: Me neither! My divorce will finally come through by then!Small Talk Practice 3: At a PartyRead the small talk below and find the 10 mistakes. Then check your answers. Woman 1: (Standing in a corner drinking a glass of wine by herself)Man: Hi there. Why aren't you dancing?Woman 1: (Smiles. No response.)Man: Hello. Have you tried Felicia's punch yet?Woman 2: No, but I was just about to.Man: Don't. It's terrible.Woman 2: Oh. Okay.Man: So, how are you knowing Rick?Woman 2: Oh, Rick and I go way back. We studied nursing together.Man: Nursing. Hmm. I heard on the radio today that all of you nurses are on strike. Are they not paying you enough?Woman 2: Actually it's about working conditions.Man: I see. So, have you had a chance to take a dip in the pool yet?Woman 2: No, not yet. How about you?Man: No, I need to lose some weight before I put on a bathing suit. But you have a great figure.Woman 2: Uh, thanks. Well, I better go and jingle. There are a few people I haven't said hello to yet.Man: Wait! Did you hear that the Pope is coming to town?Woman 2: Ya. I heard that on the news today. I bet it'll be really tough to get to see him.Man: I know. But I'm not Catholic anyway. Are you?Woman 2: Yes, I am actually. Well, it looks the sun is finally coming out. I think I'll go take that swim.Man: You better hurry. I hear they are asking for thunderstorms this afternoon.。

【导语】超容易上⼿的英语small talk套路！Small talk在西⽅社交中很重要。

不论⽣⼈、熟⼈，聊天寒暄都不能少。

可是⽤英语闲聊真的很词穷！今天就要教你最实⽤的英语small talk话题！⽣⼈、熟⼈都要small talkSmall talk在北美⾮常普遍。

即使陌⽣⼈之间，在很多情况下，也要寒暄闲聊⼏句：Strangers 陌⽣⼈Acquaintances 熟⼈Cashiers 收营员Waiters 服务员Coworkers 同事Neighbors 邻居……所以你需要:Dummy-proof/fail-proof small talk phrases ：不会失败的small talk话题#1 怎么打招呼？最经典:(Good) Morning, afternoonGood evening注意: 前者母语者常常省略good，语⽓更加轻松⼀些。

不过后者不可以省略最地道:Hi there!How is it going?What's up?注意: What's up?⾮常不正式，是年轻⼈喜欢的俚语。

怎么回复？Good. 挺好的Not bad. 不错So far so good. 到⽬前为⽌还不错什么场合⽤：Anywhere⼩tip:small talk⼀般不涉及到你⽣活的细节，所以如果有什么委屈事还是留给家⼈朋友：Keep it positive. 只谈好事。

#2. 如何聊天⽓？虽然聊天⽓没新意，但的确还是最⾃然、最容易⼊⼿的话题！怎么聊？Depending on the weather, make appropriate comments: 根据当天的天⽓，聊对应的Nice weather 如果是好天What nice weather we are having!Gorgeous weather!What a beautiful day out!Horrible weather 如果是坏天⽓What terrible weather outside!The weather sucks.注意: suck这个词不太得体的，只能和很熟悉的⼈说。

Module 1 Small TalkTeaching aims:1. To introduce different social skills about talking in different culture and improve the students’ social skills.2. To know how to talk about obligation or lack of obligation.3. To master AAA talking model and to develop the friendly environment whenhaving talk with others.Important and difficult points:1. Get students to understand how to have a chat with others in English culture.2. Make students know the importance of small talk between persons.3. Help students to improve the cultural understanding skills in different countries. Teaching procedures:Step 1.For example:T: What do you think of yesterday’s football match between your class and Class 3?S1: It’s great.S2: We won.T: Do you know why you won?S3: We are strong.T: Good. When we were discussing the football match just now, we were discussing serious things or having light conversation?Ss: Light conversation.T: Oh, yes. Just small talk.Step 2. After the teacher tell the students small talk, the students begin to read the dictionary definitions of small talk then ask the students to discuss the four questions inActivity1.Step 3. Divide the students into groups of two ones to discuss the five questions in Activity2. Then the teacher can choose some groups of students to show their small talk to all the students. The Ss can have different opinions, but they must give the reason for their opinions. Step 4. Make a talk between the Ss and the teacher, then introduce the topic about must, have to, don’t have to and mustn’t.For example:T: You are now in Senior Two, and I think you are all good students, although some of you sometimes behave not very properly. So I’m going to ask you some questions. Do you think students have to be on time at school?Ss: …T: Oh, yes. You are right. You have to. Then say something that you must do.S1: …S2: …T: And anything you mustn’t do?S1: …S2:…Ask the Ss to talk about the following topics:What is obligation?What is lack of obligation?According to the talking method, the teacher can introduce the definitions of obligation and lack of obligation.Step 5. Ask the students to finish Activity1 and then let the Ss to talk about the answers they have made.Ask the Ss to make similar sentences impressing obligation and lack of obligation using the words they just practiced.Step 6. Make a competition among the Ss to make sentences using must, have to, don’t have to, mustn’t, needn’t do and don’t need do. And the team which make sentences will win the competition.Step 1. Ask Ss to discuss the sentences in Activity 1 and then check the answers of the Ss’. Then learn the words in this part with the Ss.Step 2. Ask the Ss to read the text quickly and then finish Activity2. Then ask all the Ss to discuss the questions of Activity 4. Then ask the Ss to tell us the usage of the words in Activity1 and Activity 4 and find the sentences in the text: impress, damage, encourage, prepare, avoid, lack, recognize, smile.Step 3. Ask the students to read the text again, then answer the questions in Activity3 and encourage the Ss to have different answers. If the time isn’t enough, we can solve the probl em in the following ways.(1)Discuss it after class.(2)Discuss the following questions as the important points.I.What do people think about those who talk too much?II.Why is it a good idea to nod and smile when the other person is talking?III.What does the quotation from Benjamin Disraeli tell you about people?Then ask the Ss to prepare for Activity5 and then ask the Ss to tell the meanings of the phrases.Step 4. Important word or phrases1. Which definitions make small talk sound like a positive thing?Sound is a link verb，its meaning in Chinese:听起来。

smalltalk英语作文初中80字Small talk is an essential part of social interaction in many cultures around the world. It helps to establish and maintain relationships, and can often serve as a way to break the ice in unfamiliar social situations. Whether it's discussing the weather, sharing a funny anecdote, or simply asking about someone's day, small talk plays a crucial role in our day-to-day interactions.闲聊是世界各地许多文化中社交互动的重要组成部分。

它有助于建立和维护关系，并通常可以作为在陌生社交场合打破僵局的一种方式。

无论是讨论天气、分享有趣的轶事，还是简单地询问某人的一天，闲聊在我们日常互动中发挥着至关重要的作用。

However, for some people, engaging in small talk can be a source of anxiety and discomfort. The pressure to come up with topics to talk about, the fear of awkward silences, and the uncertainty of how the other person will respond can make small talk a daunting prospect. This can be especially challenging for introverted individuals who may find small talk draining and overwhelming.然而，对于一些人来说，参与闲聊可能是一种焦虑和不适情绪的源头。