SMALL TALK

Small Talk

• Making small talk means asking questions and giving short responses about topics that most people are comfortable discussing.

• Small talk NEVER involves very serious topics or heavy discussions

http://safeshare.tv/w/AWHbrPCQgz Art of Small Talk

Awkward Small Talk Examples

Places for Small TalkWalking on the

street

In the cafeteria/ at lunch

At work

Usually occurs when you are in the same place as a

person you know for a short period of time

As students, you could use small talk..

1. Waiting to transition to next class or waiting for class to start

2. Standing in line in cafeteria

3. On the van with another student

Usually occurs when you are in the same place as a person you know

for a short period of time

3 Common Topics for Small Talk

• Appearance

• Commenting on a current shared situation

• Weather

http://safeshare.tv/w/HsYDOOvFZq

Small Talk Examples

• Ellen Show: http://safeshare.tv/w/wXvetGmdoA

• At work/why is small talk important: http://safeshare.tv/w/zmEooizFRn

What questions could you use in this situation for small talk?

What questions could you use in this situation for small talk?

Review- What is Small Talk?

• Making small talk means asking questions and giving short responses about topics that most people are comfortable discussing.

• Small talk NEVER involves very serious topics or heavy discussions

What do you do for work?

Where do you go to school?

Why Do We Bother with Small Talk?

• 1. It helps people get to know each other

• 2. It makes people feel at ease or comfortable

• 3. By providing an introduction to an array of topics, small talk can help start a conversation

Leonard and Amy- Awkward Momenthttp://safeshare.tv/w/gPbhnKvFjH (0-0.57)

Small Talk Examples

• Sheldon trying small talk over dinner with Penny: http://safeshare.tv/w/HpSAtTxdtB

• Sheldon trying small talk with Penny getting mail: http://safeshare.tv/w/uAnptSNqLg

• Small Talk in Elevators: http://safeshare.tv/w/liiyvyXvfQ (Spiderman)

Steps Toward Small Talk Activity• Look at the pictures first. Then let’s practice with each other!

Step #1: Before you start talking, look at the person.-Is he/she wearing anything that indicates a hobby or interest? (Ex: A T-shirt with a topic on it, a hat with a sports team logo, or

special jewelry)-What is the person’s age & gender? A person’s gender and age gives you clues as to what he or she might be interest in, such as

TV shows that person might watch.

Step #2: Given what you see, what might this person be interested in talking about?

Step #3: Think of questions you would ask to start to engage this person in small talk

To Get To Know Someone...Start with Small Talk

• Small talk consists of those little questions you ask to find out general information about a person

• Often the topic during small talk changes rapidly since the answers given are pretty short

• Why do you think people small talk?

To Get to Know Someone...Start with Small Talk

Moving on to a conversation:

A conversation is a deeper discussion during which you stay with one topic for a while, or it can involve each person taking turns talking about a strand of related topics

Where Can People Use Small Talk in Public?

1. In the hallway2. In the driveway3. In the elevator4. In the cafeteria5. In line at a store

***Can you think of any more places ??

Need some volunteers

• See how long you can stand in silence looking at someone

• Can you make small talk?