Socializing – part 3

1. Socializing –part 3 Společenský styk – 3. část

3. Small talk – nezávazná (společenská) konverzace • Definition • It is a conversation about things which are not important, • to chat about subjects that both parties can contribute to regardless of • background, • education, or • experience, • often between people who do not know each other well.

4. Small talk is also known as: • chit chat, • water cooler chat, • icebreakers, • casual conversation, • light conversation, • elevator speech • gabbing. The Czech language doesn't even have an expression for "small talk"

6. What is the purpose of small talk? • It is meant to take the edge of an interaction, to be a ‘social lubricant’ • Má za úkol vzít interakcím hranu, (tj. zmírňovat napětí), být společenským „lubrikantem“, • A bonding ritual, that helps us overcome our social inhibitions and handicaps. • Rituál na utváření vztahu, který nám pomáhá překonat naše společenské zábrany a handikapy. • Helps to establish relationship, might lead to certain interpersonal connection in the future • Pomáhá vytvářet vztahy, může do budoucna vést k jistým (pevným) mezilidským vztahům.

7. The origin of small talk

8. in a line for take-away coffee in metro waiting for a train to come in art galleries or museums at cocktail/dinner parties wedding receptions doctor’s waiting room before a business meeting on the way to office/school What are the situations when it is appropriate and even expected? When do I Start a Small Talk? in the Czech Rep. in the UK and USA

9. Where do I Start a Small Talk? Long story short, you can initiate a small talk almost anywhere; except probably public toilets, which people visit for reasons other than socializing.

10. How long does small talk take? Duration of chatting varies greatly. • 3 seconds • e.g. meeting a colleague in a corridor • ‘How is your day going so far?’ • This quick question can be just enough to exchange social niceties. • 3 minutes • e.g. in a queue / line • 3 hours • e.g. dinner party’s light talk might last through the whole event.

12. Is it true that British people talk a lot about the weather? • In 2008,The Telegraph asked 5000 folks in Britain: • "Identify the things that make us unique as a nation" • In the number one spot: 'talking about the weather' British people do indeed talk about the weather a lot.

13. Which movie are these pictures from?

15. Small talk topic number one • The weather

16. The weather • Talking about the weather may seem banal, • but it is a good neutral topic • that everyone can discuss. • Golden rule: • Boring, but can get the ball rolling!

17. Other small talk topics • Arts and Entertainment

18. Arts and Entertainment Topics • include the latest • movies and • television shows, • popular • restaurants, • music, and • books. • Golden rule: • If you want to be prepared for these topics, read and watch what is popular.

19. Other small talk topics • Sports

20. Sports topics • can include such topics as • favorite teams and • local teams, • current events like • the Olympics, • Championships • Golden rule: • Even if you don't like sports, you can talk about why you don't like them.

21. Other topics

22. Other topics

23. Other topics

24. Other small talk topics • News

25. News • Golden rule: • A great way to prepare for small talk is to read the news everyday. • Be aware of what is going on • in the world and • in your city.

26. Other small talk topics Family topics • Family • Blood is thicker than water

27. Family • People are likely to ask you about your family, e.g. • Do you have any brothers or sisters? • How long have you been married? • Do you have any children? • Be prepared for these types of questions • and reciprocate by asking others about their families.

28. Other small talk topics Travel

29. Travel • People like to hear about vacations. • If you travel, be ready to • answer questions and • give your opinions about the places you have visited. • You may want to put together albums that you can show people who visit your home. • Golden rule • Brevity is the soul of wit

30. People like to hear about vacations • If you travel, be ready to • answer questions and • give your opinions about the places you have visited. • Holidays - where, when, etc. but NOT how much! • You may want to put together albums that you can show people who visit your home. • Golden rule • Brevity is the soul of wit

31. Other small talk topics

32. Other small talk topics

33. Other small talk topics

34. Other small talk topics

35. Other small talk topics

36. Other small talk topics

37. Other small talk topics

38. Other small talk topics

39. Other small talk topics

40. And this other small talk topic is: • Work

41. Yet another one

42. Other small talk topics

43. Other small talk topics

44. Other small talk topics

46. Celebrity gossip

47. Celebrity gossip • It isn't necessary to follow celebrity gossipto make small talk. • However, it is a good idea to know a little bit about some of the most popular celebrities in case the topic comes up.

48. What are the disadvantages of small talk?

50. How to Turn Small Talk Into Meaningful Conversation • Small talk is not meant to last for the whole of your conversation. • Use it as an ice-breaker • and pay attention to little clues the person gives you, using those to ask more questions.