Small Talk!

What is “small talk?”

In small groups, discuss: 1. What is “small talk?” 2. When does it happen?3. With whom does it happen with?4. Which topics do people talk about?5. Which topics are taboo? 6. What is easy/difficult about small talk (in any

language)?

Listening Activity

• 1st 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.

New Vocabulary1. you must be (name)• You must be Amanda. - You must be our new

teacher.

2. at long last • It’s great to meet you at long last. - At long last, they

got married.

3. associate• Do you get along well with your associates?

4. Did you have a nice holiday?

5. Tahoe • A 35 km wide lake in northern California, USA.

New Vocabulary

1. How about you? Pronounced: “How ‘bout you?”

2. How did you like it? Pronounced: “How’dja like it?”

3. better than I expected• I did better than I expected on the English exam.

4. 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.

5. Let me introduce you.• Used to tell someone that you will introduce them to another

person.• She’s here; let me introduce you.

3 Minute Conversations

Pretend you are making small talk with coworkers:

1.How are you plans this weekend?

2.How long have you worked here?

3.Where are you going for vacation?

4.Did I see you driving a new car?

5.Make up your own question!

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