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Small Talk. What is it? Where do you need small talk? Why? In English-speaking countries it is important to be able to make small talk. Illustration idea – Go to Google Image Search, type in “small talk” and find cartoons. Origins of Small Talk.
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Small Talk • What is it? • Where do you need small talk? • Why? • In English-speaking countries it is important to be able to make small talk. • Illustration idea – Go to Google Image Search, type in “small talk” and find cartoons
Origins of Small Talk • There is a great sketch on Youtube called ”Origins of small talk” – this is a good starting point.
Small Talk • How good are you at small talk? • What might hinder you from being good at it? • Shy • Self-conscious • Do not know what to talk about? • Do not have the vocabulary?
What should you not talk about? • Illustration idea – Search for the cartoon ‘Making Small Talk cartoon 2’ from Google Image Search
What should you not talk about? • There are some things one should not talk about: • Income: How much money do you make? • Politics? • Intimate relationships • Religion? • Yourself, and only yourself • Sales – do not try to sell something to someone you just met… • Strong convictions • Do you agree?
What could you talk about? • Sports • Hobbies • The weather • Family • Media – films, books, magazines • Holidays • Home town • Job • Latest fashion – trends • Celebrities – gossip • Common interests
How can you improve? • Prepare • Read up on different topics, follow the news, brush up on vocabulary, go somewhere – read about the place you are going to • Be a good listener • Remember people’s names, let them talk about themselves, ask questions • Find a topic you both enjoy talking about – or at least one that your partner enjoys • Practice
Assignment – Small talk with Prince Charles • How do you address him? Find out! • What would you say?
More small talk? There is a series you can find on Youtube called ”Small Talk”. Here, a reporter walks around in Hull and asks the public different questions. Some parts can be hard to understand, but the clip is somewhat interesting.