Small Talk

American speech is often characterized by:

  • Talking with our hands
  • Interrupting each other frequently
  • Commenting on our surroundings
  • Asking opinions
  • Small talk to get the conversation started

Small talk is our way of starting a conversation in the following situations:

  • Running into an acquaintance
  • Meeting someone for the first time
  • Waiting in public places

Small talk is usually not about anything particularly important, and it is simply meant to acknowledge the other people around you or as an introduction to a deeper conversation.

Activities

Read the following exercises that feature small talk. Where do you think these people are? What might be the circumstances?

  • It’s really cold out here!
  • I know, I’m ready for spring to start! Have you been waiting long?
  • Nearly twenty minutes.

 

  • This place seems popular.
  • It is! I come here every Saturday.
  • Oh neat! Have you had the fries here?

 

  • Do you know the host(s)?
  • I just came with my roommate. I think she’s friends with Steve.
  • I heard Steve is in Alpha Delta Phi.

 

  • Have you taken a class with this professor before?
  • Yeah, I took his European history class. It was a lot of fun, he’s a great teacher!
  • Glad to hear it. Are you a history major?
  • Nah, I just enjoy taking this professor’s classes.
  • Is he a tough grader?
  • Yea, but he’s fair about it. He’ll always give you chances to rewrite your papers.