Small Talk: Conversation Starters
Talking about the weather
l Beautiful day, isn't it?
l Can you believe all of this rain we've been having?
l It looks like it's going to snow.
l It sure would be nice to be in Hawaii right about now.
l I hear they're calling for thunderstorms all weekend.
l We couldn't ask for a nicer day, could we?
l How about this weather?
l Did you order this sunshine?
Talking about current events
l Did you catch the news today?
l Did you hear about that fire on Fourth St?
l What do you think about this transit strike?
l I read in the paper today that the Sears Mall is closing.
l I heard on the radio today that they are finally going to start building the new bridge.
l How about those Reds? Do you think they're going to win tonight?
At the office
l Looking forward to the weekend?
l Have you worked here long?
l I can't believe how busy/quiet we are today, can you?
l Has it been a long week?
l You look like you could use a cup of coffee.
l What do you think of the new computers?
At a social event
l So, how do you know Justin?
l Have you tried the cabbage rolls that Sandy made?
l Are you enjoying yourself?
l It looks like you could use another drink.
l Pretty nice place, huh?
l I love your dress. Can I ask where you got it?
Out for a walk
l How old's your baby?
l What's your puppy's name?
l The tulips are sure beautiful at this time of year, aren't they.
l How do you like the new park?
l Nice day to be outside, isn't it?
Waiting somewhere
l I didn't think it would be so busy today.
l You look like you've got your hands full (with children or goods).
l The bus must be running late today.
l It looks like we are going to be here a while, huh?
l I'll have to remember not to come here on Mondays.
l How long have you been waiting?
Small Talk Practice 1: At a Bus Stop
Read the small talk below and find the 10 mistakes. Then check your answers.
Woman: We could ask for a better day, could we?
Man: I know. There isn't a cloud in the sky. I love this time of year.
Woman: Me too. The cherry blossoms are beautiful, you think?
Man: They sure are. But I heard he is calling for rain all weekend.
Woman: Really? Oh well. I have to work all weekend anyway. I'm a doctor.
Man: Wow. I'm sure you make good money with that diamond watch you have on.
Woman: Ah, this bus seems to be running late. How long of a wait is it already?
Man: I've been here for at least fifteen minutes now.
Woman: Where are you heading today?
Man: Actually, I'm going to the City Hall to cast my vote for mayor.
Woman: Oh, what a coincidence. So am I! Who are you voting for?
Man: Um, well...I'm still thinking about it.
Woman: Here comes a bus now.
Man: Oh good. Wait, that's not the bus we want. That bus goes downtown.
Woman: Well, it looks like we'll be waiting a little longer. I guess, I'll use this time to catch up on my reading.
Man: I love reading. Right now I'm reading a Stephen King book. Do you like Stephen King?
Woman: Not really.
Man: Oh, here's our bus.
Woman: Oh great. I thought it would never come. Well, have a nice day.
Man: Say, did you catch the news today?
Small Talk Practice 2: At the Office
Read the small talk below and find the 10 mistakes. Then check your answers.
Woman: Hi there.
Man: Hi. I haven't seen you around here before. Have you been working long?
Woman: No, I've only been here a few months. I work in the Human Resources Department.
Man: Oh, you must make more money than I do then. I'm in Sales.
Woman: Sales sounds like an interesting job.
Man: It's okay. Hey, you look like you could really have a coffee.
Woman: Yes, it's been a really hectic week.
Man: Tell me about it! At least it's supposing to be a nice weekend.
Woman: Yes, I've listened that they are calling for blue skies.
Man: Say, did you happen to catch the game last night?
Woman: No, I was working late.
Man: It was a great game. We won in overtime.
Woman: Actually, I don't even know who was playing. I don't really follow sports.
Man: The Chiefs! Do you think they're going to make it to the finals this year?
Woman: I'm not sure. Well, I better get back to my desk.
Man: Speaking of desks, what do you think of the new office furniture?
Woman: It's nice, but I would rather get paid for my overtime hours than have new furniture.
Man: Oh. Well, I think I'll be heading home early today. It might be snow.
Woman: I know. I can't believe all of this cold weather. Hopefully Spring will come soon.
Man: I can't wait until Spring.
Woman: Me neither! My divorce will finally come through by then!
Small Talk Practice 3: At a Party
Read the small talk below and find the 10 mistakes. Then check your answers.
Woman 1: (Standing in a corner drinking a glass of wine by herself)
Man: Hi there. Why aren't you dancing?
Woman 1: (Smiles. No response.)
Man: Hello. Have you tried Felicia's punch yet?
Woman 2: No, but I was just about to.
Man: Don't. It's terrible.
Woman 2: Oh. Okay.
Man: So, how are you knowing Rick?
Woman 2: Oh, Rick and I go way back. We studied nursing together.
Man: Nursing. Hmm. I heard on the radio today that all of you nurses are on strike. Are they not paying you enough?
Woman 2: Actually it's about working conditions.
Man: I see. So, have you had a chance to take a dip in the pool yet?
Woman 2: No, not yet. How about you?
Man: No, I need to lose some weight before I put on a bathing suit. But you have a great figure.
Woman 2: Uh, thanks. Well, I better go and jingle. There are a few people I haven't said hello to yet.
Man: Wait! Did you hear that the Pope is coming to town?
Woman 2: Ya. I heard that on the news today. I bet it'll be really tough to get to see him.
Man: I know. But I'm not Catholic anyway. Are you?
Woman 2: Yes, I am actually. Well, it looks the sun is finally coming out. I think I'll go take that swim.
Man: You better hurry. I hear they are asking for thunderstorms this afternoon.
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