Folie 1

1
What is small talk? Dictionary definitions
Polite conversation about uncontroversial
matters
Light or casual conversation about common
everyday things or chit chat
Further definitions

• - Networking
• Sizing someone up
• Breaking the ice
• Face saving
• Finding the common denominator
• The ability to talk pleasantly about things of
  common interest with people you dont
  know
• An alternative to silence

2
Techniques of small talk
- Open-ended questions / getting someones opinion
- Giving an opinion
- Stating a fact

• Complimenting

3
High-risk conversation starters

• Do you have any hobbies?

• Do you miss (New York)?

• Have you ever been here before?
• Where did you stay when you were here?

• Do you give money to beggars?

• Did you go to university?

• So this is your first time in Switzerland?

• Have you ever been to Moscow?

• Do you prefer food from your own
• country or food from another country?

• What kind of dog do you have?

• Do you like living here?

• Is this your first visit to the Far East?

• Do you come here often?

• Where are you staying?
• Is your hotel comfortable?

4
Topics of small talk
5
Topics in the book
Christmas Computers Creativity Dreams Emails Food
restaurants Friends Gifts Hobbies Holidays
Homes Humour Life Meetings Money Music Names News
Noises Reading
Schooldays Shopping Small talk Socializing Taking
exercise Telephoning Time Traffic Transport Work