Small Talk useful tips

Small Talk - Appropriate?

Look at the following topics. Which ones do you think are appropriate for small talk? Which should be avoided?
• The latest films
• The One True Path to Eternal Life
• The local basketball team
• Cars
• A product you would like to sell to everyone
• The Death Penalty
• Your home town
• How much you make
• Your last holiday
• Your favorite movie-star
• The correct political party
• The weather
• Gardening
• Your health problems
• Your family

Activity: Imagine you are having lunch at a seminar and you find that you are sat at a table where you don´t know anybody. Work with a partner and try to do the following:
*Introduce yourself and ask for the other persons name
* Find out some basic information about the other person ie, job/country/hobbies/interests/why they are at the seminar
* Ask your partner to recommend a place to stay/visit/eat, etc.
* Offer your contact details and request for the other persons details
* Close the conversation and say goodbye

Useful Language and phrases
Hello, I´m ... I don´t think we´ve met Pleased to meet you.
Nice to meet you. A pleasure to meet you. So, what do you do?
Are you enjoying the (seminar?) How long have you worked in (advertising?)
It was lovely talking to you. It was good to meet you.
Take care. See you again sometime. Enjoy the rest of (your trip) I´ll be in touch.
Showing Interest
I see That´s interesting. Really? Right. Wow! Are you?

Remember that alot of showing interest is in your tone of voice, nodding, smiling and making eye contact.