Small talk that flows

Start a conversation, keep it going and end it well. Lesson 27 of 58: Conversation, CEFR B1.

Starting

Small talk is how English speakers build trust before business. Safe openers: the situation you share (“How do you know the host?”), the weather, travel (“Did you find the place OK?”), the weekend, food, and what somebody does. Avoid salary, religion, politics and age with people you have just met.
How do you know Priya? (At a party)
Did you have far to come? (At an event)
Have you been here before?

Three habits keep a conversation alive. Answer with a little extra (“Yes, I’ve been twice: the food is amazing”). Ask a follow-up about what they said (“Oh, what took you to Kerala?”). And show you are listening: “Really?”, “That sounds great”, “Oh, nice”.
Give something about yourself too: questions alone feel like an interview.
Oh, really? What was that like? (A follow-up)
That must have been amazing. (An empathetic reaction)
Same here! I love it too. (Something in common)
Tip: The best follow-up questions start with “What”, “How” or “What was it like…?”, never with “Do” or “Is”, which can be answered with one word.

Signal the end, give a reason, and leave warmly: “Well, it was great talking to you. I should go and say hello to my boss.” “Anyway, I’ll let you get on.” “Let’s catch up properly soon.”
It was great talking to you.
I’ll let you get back to it. (Leaving somebody busy)
Let’s stay in touch.

Practise a two-minute small talk with a stranger at an event (play both sides, or with a friend): an opener, three follow-up questions, something about you, and a warm ending.
I used an open follow-up question
I gave answers with a little extra
I reacted with interest
I ended politely with a reason

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