small talk definition and activities

5. •Weather
•Current events (not controversial)
•Sports
•Entertainment
•Compiments on clothing or hair

6. Controversial issues (politics, religion,
etc.)
Personal information
Salaries
Negative comments

7. People make small talk just about anywhere, but there are
certain places where it is very common.
Most often, small talk occurs in places where people are
waiting for something. For example:
• while waiting for the bus to arrive.
•in a doctor's or dentist's waiting room.
•in queues.
Social events (such as a party) require small talk among
guests who do not know each other very well.

8. The most common time for small talk to occur is the
first time you see or meet someone on a given
day.

9. There are a few different reasons why people use
small talk.
 Break an uncomfortable silence.
 Fill time when you are waiting for something.
 Be polite.

10. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rjGt9Uskcno
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MXxrFlgUK0Q

11. Discuss the following questions
1. It is common to use small talk when you are waiting in
a long line-up.
True
False
2. Religion is a "safe" topic when making small talk.
True
False

12.  3. It is inappropriate to make small talk with your
mailman.
True
False
 4. Sport is not a safe topic when making small
talk.
True
False

13.  5. One should never compliment another person's
clothes in order to make small talk.
True
False
 6. Politics is a controversial subject according to
society.
True
False

14.  7. It is common to discuss the weather in an
elevator.
True
False
 8. One reason people use small talk is to eliminate
an uncomfortable silence.
True
False

15.  Work in pairs. Imagine you meet a person at a
party / elevator / bus stop. What would you talk
about?