Topic 1.11.1 Small Talk
MAKING SMALL TALK
1.Warm up
‘Small talk is an unimportant conversation about unimportant things, usually with people you don’t know very well.’
- Do you agree or disagree with this comment?
Discuss these questions:
- In which situations and places can small talk take place? Make a list.
- Why do people make small talk?
- What do you usually talk about when you meet someone for the first time?
Discuss which box you would put these small talk topics in. Explain your choice.
2A. Functional language
2B. Use the questions to make small talk with your partner.
e.g. What do you think about the food?
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3. The AAA Model
Look at this conversation:
John: Sue says you’re American. Where are you from?
Jasmine: That’s right, I’m from Boston. I went to university there. Do you know it?
John: No, I’ve never been there, but I’d like to.
Jasmine uses the AAA model (answer, add, ask)
Could John also use the AAA model and continue the conversation?
In pairs, use the AAA model (answer, add, ask) and the question stems in the box above to practise making small talk.
e.g. Where do you come from?
Answer: Italy Add: I live in Trieste Ask: Do you know it?
4A.Work in pairs.
Choose one of the situations below to practise making small talk:
- At the coffee machine
- On an aeroplane
- During a conference
- In the staff dining room
- At a train station
4B.Practise making small talk using the AAA model and the expressions in bold to discuss two or more of these topics. Remember to show interest as you speak.
- Food
- Holidays
- Home town
- Music
- Sports
- The weather