Making Small Talk

Listen! Be Quiet! Raise your hand No electronics Clear your desks Show your nametags Be on time!

REVIEW

A: I can’t study in January. It’s too hot. B: ______________ A: I can’t study in January. It’s too hot. B: ______________? Don’t ___________ it’s too cold? A: You’re right. I meant “too cold.” Are you sure you mean What did I say; right; actually, I was; But; is in; see; really true; Are you sure; Excuse me, but; you mean B: Are you sure? Don’t you mean it’s too cold? 4

B: I heard that all Americans have blond hair B: I heard that all Americans have blond hair. A: _____ that’s not ___________. Some have black, brown, or red hair. B: I ____! But really true see What did I say; right; actually, I was; But; is in; see; really true; Are you sure; Excuse me, but; you mean A: But that’s not really true. Some have black, brown, or red hair. B: I see! 5

I was the fastest swimmer in the swimming pool! That’s Great! That’s too bad.

I did not do well on my literature exam. That’s nice. Oh, no!

Our headmaster is meeting with President Obama in the lecture room. I’m sorry to hear that. I can’t believe it!

I got 100% on my exam today. Terrific! That’s terrible!

Making Small Talk Have them write down “Small Talk”

Small talk is used when you start a conversation or when you don’t know what else to talk about. Today I will teach you how to make small talk in english.

Basic Rules Listen to the other person Don’t talk about religion or politics. If you are talking to an American or Westerner, don’t ask about money. Find common interests. What do you both like?

Showing Interest What are you working on? How’s it coming along? I think you did a nice/great job with/on ___. What’s going on with you? Read these to the students and have the students repeat them. Then have them write these down.

Asking about Thoughts and Feelings Are you OK? What’s on your mind?/Is something on your mind? What are you thinking about? Is there anything you want to talk about? Is something bothering you?

Making Sure Someone Is OK Is that OK? Is that all right? Are you sure? Are you positive?

Being Understanding No problem. I understand. Take your time. There’s no rush. That’s not your fault. I’d be happy to ___ if you like.

A: So, how was your weekend? B: Oh, it was nice and relaxing. A: What did you do? B: I went to the park on Saturday and played basketball with some friends. A: Nice! B: Then, I ate ice-cream and read a book on the lawn. And on Sunday, I met some friends and went shopping. A: That sounds like a great weekend!

A: Hi, ______. B: Hey, _______. A: How are you doing these days A: Hi, ______! B: Hey, _______! A: How are you doing these days? B: I’ve been good. What’s up? A: I’m having a birthday party on Saturday – can you come? B: Oh, I’m so sorry – I’m busy. I’m having lunch with my grandmother. A: Oh, that’s ok. B: Thank you so much for thinking of inviting me. A: Of course! B: Have fun! A: Thanks!

A: Thank you so much for having me over for dinner. B: It was my pleasure. A: Everything was delicious – I can’t believe you went through so much trouble! B: It was no trouble at all! A: It was great catching up with you! Have a good evening! B: I’m so glad you could come. Get home safely!

Are you sure I’d be happy to Is there something on your mind That’s not your fault A: You seem a little stressed out . _________________ ____________? B: I just got off the phone with a friend who’s really upset. A: What happened? B: We missed our class because we were sick. A: ___________________. B: I know, but he’s blaming me. A: ______________ call the school if you like. B: Thanks, but I’ll take care of it this afternoon. A: ____________? B: Yeah. This is something I have to deal with. Is there something on your mind That’s not your fault I’d be happy to Are you sure

Dialogues 21

Dialogue part One: A: Show interest by asking what your partner is working on. B: Say that you are working on schoolwork. Ask your partner what’s going on with him or her.

Dialogue part Two: A: Say there’s no rush with the schoolwork. B: Express appreciation.

REVIEW What should you do when you want to make small talk? 1. ___________ to them. 2. Don’t talk about ____________ or ___________. 3. If you are talking to an American or Westerner, don’t ask about ________. 4. Find common ____________. LISTEN POLITICS RELIGION MONEY INTERESTS

Are you sure I’d be happy to Is there something on your mind That’s not your fault A: You seem a little stressed out . _________________ ____________? B: I just got off the phone with a friend who’s really upset. A: What happened? B: Something with school. We missed our class because we were sick. A: ___________________. B: I know, but he’s blaming us. A: ______________ call the school if you like. B: Thanks, but I’ll take care of it this afternoon. A: ____________? B: Yeah. This is something I have to do myself. Is there something on your mind That’s not your fault I’d be happy to Are you sure

Showing Interest What are you working on? How’s it coming along? I think you did a nice/great job with/on ___. What’s going on with you? Review these with the students, have them read out loud after you.

Asking about Thoughts and Feelings Are you OK? What’s on your mind?/Is something on your mind? What are you thinking about? Is there anything you want to talk about? Is something bothering you?

Making Sure Someone Is OK Is that OK? Is that all right? Are you sure? Are you positive?

Being Understanding No problem. I understand. Take your time. There’s no rush. That’s not your fault. I’d be happy to ___ if you like.