Small Talk UpperIntermediate Lesson 1 Today we are

Small Talk Upper-Intermediate Lesson 1

Today we are going to learn: • How to do small talk • Phrases for small talk • Greetings and good byes

Small talk seems to have little useful purpose. It is a bonding ritual. It helps to establish contact between new acquaintances and build the relationships between friends, colleagues, etc. In particular, it helps new acquaintances to explore and categorize each other's social position.

Greetings Common: Hi, how are you? How’s your day going?

More formal: Good morning, Good afternoon, or Good evening. How do you do? Less formal: Are you OK? , You alright? , or Alright mate? Long time no see. Cheers!

Nice to meet you vs Nice to see you

Keep your answers positive: - How are you today? - Good, great, fine, not too bad, can’t complain. And you?

Body language Smile. Open posture. Forward lean. Touch by shaking hands. Eye contact. Nod. Use “uh-huhs” and “hmmms” and intonation! Sound interested!

Shaking hands Hugging Kissing Bowing /baʊ/ Think in what situations you might do that?

Topic Great Britain – Weather • Beautiful day, isn't it? • It looks like it's going to rain. • Can you believe all of this snow we've been having? • It sure would be nice to be in Hawaii right about now.

The USA – Geography • Where are you originally from? • Where did you go to school? • Where is the accent from?

FORM Family Occupation Recreation Motivation Tell me about your family. Are your siblings alike or different? What are the best and worst parts of your job? Seen any good movies lately? Read any good books? Do you find your job satisfying?

Communications expert – Dr. Carol Flemming ARE – method A – anchor (observation about surroundings). It’s a lovely day, isn’t it? R – reveal (say something about yourself). I’ve been waiting for a break in heat to go hiking. E – encourage (ask them a related question). Have you been on a hike before?

Observe I noticed you are reading “Harry Potter”. How are you liking it? Listen You mentioned you were from Scotland. What part? Compliment I like your necklace. Is it new?

Tell me about… What was the best part of… How did you feel about… What brought you to… What’s surprised you most… How similar/different is that to… Why…

Start with close-ended questions Follow up with open-ended questions: • Where did you go to college? • What do you feel was most beneficial about your college experience?

Ways to say good bye: Common: See you later, See you soon or Talk to you later. I’ve got to get going or I must be going. Take it easy. Take care.

More formal: Have a nice day! or Have a good weekend! I look forward to our next meeting. Until next week. Less formal: Catch you later. I’m out of here. I gotta hit the road. Cheers! Remember intonation!

There’s nothing small about small talk!

Today we have learned: • How to do small talk • Phrases for small talk • Greetings and good byes