Learning small talk used in English conversation lesson

What will I learn from the lesson on English small talk

During this lesson you will learn some of the more common ways to make conversation with friends, family and work colleagues.

What is small talk?

Small talk is more of a  casual form of conversation that allows people to  "breaks the ice" or can be used if there is an awkward silence between 2 people or more people.

Small talk is usually not important.

Examples of small talk for weather, weekend, family, sports, films, people

Using the weather for small talk

Kind of chilly this morning, isn’t it?

What a beautiful morning.

A bit windy, but beautiful.

It’s never that hot at this time of the year.

It’s been raining for weeks.

Is this never going to end?

Using weekend for small talk

How did you spend the weekend?

Did you do anything special?

How was your weekend?

Using family for small talk

Robert:   How’s Jane doing? I haven’t seen her for ages.

Linda:    Oh, she’s fine. She just got a job with the government.

Robert:  That’s great news. We should get together one of these days. Sarah would love to see you both, too.

Linda:    Sure. That’d be great. …

More examples

How are the kids?

Give my regards to your husband.

Why don't you come over for dinner one of these days? 

Using sports for small talk

David:   Did you see the game last night?

Jason:    No, I missed it. Was it a good game? 

Using films for small talk

Sarah:   Have you seen the Hangover 3? We went to see it last night.

Jane:    How was it?

Sarah:   Jason thought it was hilarious, but I was a bit disappointed.

More examples

You should definitely go for it. You must see that!

Using people for small talk

Have you heard? Kitty is getting married.

Don’t tell anyone, but apparently David is going to be promoted.

Lessons that are related to the exercise

To view any of the lessons below click on link.

Conversation exercise on small talk

Exercise on small talk conversation

Small talk conversation exercise

Dictionary and how to use dictionaries

Click on the following link for the Online English dictionary - English lesson