Small Talk Small Talk What is it Conversation

Small Talk

Small Talk: What is it? �Conversation usually with unimportant, noncontroversial subjects/topics �Often used to start a conversation or to fill the space between more important topics �Where does it occur?

Small Talk: What is the purpose? �To build and maintain social relationships �Can fill silences (pass time) �To start and end an interaction

How it Starts �Usually begins with a shared context ◦ Comment �“What a lovely day” ◦ Complaint �“This bus is always late” ◦ Compliment �“You did a great job on that presentation!” ◦ Question �“Do you have the time?

How to continue and expand �Taking turns and giving feedback are essential to small talk ◦ ◦ “and you? ” “how about you? ” “what about you? ” Ask a related question

Share Background Information �Keep the conversation going �Learn more about the other person

Ending Small Talk �Last stage of a conversation; “leave-taking” �Can be obvious ◦ “That’s my bus. ” �Can be unapparent ◦ “I’m running late. ” �Naturally ends ◦ leaving the store ◦ class starts

Final Statement �Goodbyes ◦ “It was nice talking to you” ◦ “Nice to meet you” ◦ “Take care” �Relevant to the conversation ◦ “good luck on your paper” ◦ “enjoy your day off” �In reply; “You too!”

Gainesville �“How ‘bout them Gators? ” �Weather ◦ ◦ It’s so hot today! It’s a beautiful day today, isn’t it? It’s pretty cold out. It’s pouring outside!

Dialogue Activity �With a partner, come up with a small talk dialogue for two students who arrived early and are waiting for class to begin. (Write it down!) �We will share some of the dialogues.