1. Small Talk!

2. What is “small talk?” In small groups, discuss: What is “small talk?”
When does it happen?
With whom does it happen with?
Which topics do people talk about?
Which topics are taboo?
What is easy/difficult about small talk (in any language)?

3. Listening Activity 1st time: 2nd time: 3rd time:
Where are they? Do they know each other? What is their connection?
2nd time:
What is the small talk topic? Who begins the small talk?
Listen for any difficult or unclear phrases and pronunciation.
3rd time:
Circle or underline difficult sounds or pronunciations.

4. New Vocabulary you must be (name)
You must be Amanda You must be our new teacher.
at long last
It’s great to meet you at long last At long last, they got married.
associate
Do you get along well with your associates?
Did you have a nice holiday?
Tahoe
A 35 km wide lake in northern California, USA.

5. New Vocabulary How about you? Pronounced: “How ‘bout you?”
How did you like it? Pronounced: “How’dja like it?”
better than I expected
I did better than I expected on the English exam.
I don’t blame her/him/you/them.
Used to express agreement with someone’s actions/feelings.
I don’t blame her for dumping him; he cheated on her.
Let me introduce you.
Used to tell someone that you will introduce them to another person.
She’s here; let me introduce you.

6. 3 Minute Conversations
Pretend you are making small talk with coworkers:
How are you plans this weekend?
How long have you worked here?
Where are you going for vacation?
Did I see you driving a new car?
Make up your own question!

7. Small Talk About the News
Americans love to express their feelings and opinions about news and current events.
Common phrases:
I was shocked to hear about…
I was upset to hear about...
I was excited to find out that…
I was bummed to hear about…
3 minute conversations with classmates about news