You’re or a lunch, and everyone is off talking to someone else. You’re left standing next to one person who you don’t know. Sure, you want to talk to them, but you have no idea what to say. We’ve all been there. The silence (time when there’s no sound) you get when two people don’t have anything to say is called an awkward silence. Awkward means uncomfortable and embarrassing. To avoid these awkward silences, you need to know how to make small talk in English.

Small talk is the kind of when you want to talk to someone but neither of you wants to get into a very deep or complicated conversation. It’s “small” because you talk about unimportant things, in a way that fills up silences and makes you both feel more comfortable and friendly with each other. The more you practice small talk, the easier it will become. Until you’re comfortable making your own small talk, you can start out by learning a few for making small talk that will leave you sounding and feeling comfortable and confident. Why Making Small Talk Is a Big Deal There’s nothing “small” about small talk. About something simple like the weather might seem like it’s not important, but it’s a key skill to have if you’re learning a language.

Think about how many times you make small talk in your native language during the day. Making small talk can help you: • Avoid awkward silences • Easily get to know someone new • Seem friendlier • Become closer with acquaintances and coworkers • Sound more like a native speaker You can make small talk pretty much any time you and one (or a few) other people are gathered in one location, aren’t busy and aren’t already talking about something. You can make small talk at a party, before a work meeting or while waiting for your food to microwave in the office. You can ask someone how his morning was while you’re together on the elevator, or comment on the weather as you’re waiting for the bus. Body Language Is Also a Language Did you think you were only learning to speak English here? Your body says almost as much as your mouth when you speak English—and so do the bodies of other people.

For example, if you’re waiting in line to pay for something at the store, and the person in front of you is turned away from you, tapping their foot impatiently and glancing at their phone all the time, they probably don’t want to talk to you. If, on the other hand, the person in front of you turns around, catches your eye and smiles, you can try starting a small conversation.

You can make yourself more approachable by doing small things that will make a big difference. If you’re trying to make small talk, or want to show that you’re interested in a conversation, don’t cross your arms or your legs. Instead, make eye contact and smile!

Small Talk for Every Occasion Some topics are universal, meaning you can use them anywhere and with anyone. Others are better suited for specific situations. For example, work-related topics might be better used with coworkers at the office, and hobby-related topics might be better with friends. Small talk topics are small—that is, they’re not significant or important. Keep it positive, and avoid “heavy” topics, including anything negative or controversial (a topic many people disagree on). Don’t be too random, and surprise the other person with a strange new topic. Let the conversation happen naturally instead of trying to ask questions like a list.

Develop “an all-round communicative ability” (Skolverket, 2000) and that speaking is an important part of learning English. During our teacher practice we occasionally heard English being spoken during breaks amongst our students. In most of the cases one or a few words were switched from Swedish.

The best small talk is the situational kind, something you observe about your environment and work into a conversation. For example, you can tell the person you’re on the elevator with that the weather is terrible or ask if he’s looking forward to the weekend (if it’s a Friday), but you probably shouldn’t ask him what his hobbies are—that’s just strange! 7 English Small Talk Topics for Starting Friendly Conversations 1. Introductions Before you can get to know someone, it’s a good idea to. You can introduce yourself to anyone you don’t know, or to remind someone you’ve met before who might have forgotten you. When you’re introducing yourself, you can add a little bit of information like where you first met, or what you do. You can even use your English learning as a conversation starter.

Examples: “Good morning! We always have coffee at the same time but we’ve never spoken before. My name is [Your Name].” “Hello, how are you today? My name is [Your Name].

I’m still learning English so please let me know if I make any mistakes.” “Hi Angela. You might not remember me but we met at Tom’s Christmas party last year.

I’m [Your Name].” 2. Universal Topics Topics that are universal can be shared by almost anyone. Things like the weather, current news, sports and entertainment are usually safe conversation starters, especially when you’re speaking to a group—even if one person doesn’t really watch sports, someone else in the group might. Although these topics are talked about by many, some people might not be fans of sports, or might not follow entertainment news, so if you can, try to match people’s interests to the topic you choose. For example, if you’ve heard them talking about big news stories in the past, you could try to talk about a news story from today.

Examples: “Did you watch the Oscars last week? I can’t believe Leonardo DiCaprio finally won one!” “This weather is crazy! It was cold yesterday and today I came in with an open jacket. I hope it stays warm, don’t you?” “That basketball game yesterday had me glued to my seat. Wasn’t that a great save at the very end?” 3. The Day If you’re not sure what topic to talk about, or don’t have anything interesting to say, you can just ask someone about their day, or you can talk about yours. For example, you could ask them: • How was your day?

/ How has your day been so far? • How have you been feeling today?

• What have you been doing today? • Has anything exciting happened today? • What are you planning for after work? • Are you doing anything fun after work? You can also share information about your day and how you’re doing, but try to keep a balance of talking and listening, so you both get to speak the same amount (and you’re not just talking about yourself the entire time). Even if the person looks like they’ve been having a bad day, you can make it brighter just by making small talk! Make sure not to ask questions that are too personal, and instead offer some nice words of encouragement.

Examples: “Hey there. You look like you’re having a rough day.

I hope it gets better for you.” “Good morning! I went camping on Saturday, and of course it rained all day.

Was your weekend any better?” “The day is almost over! Do you have any interesting plans for the evening?” 4. The Workplace. Stay even less personal at work than in more casual places, and avoid gossiping (talking about other people who are not present)! Instead, you can talk about the day, an upcoming party or meeting, or ask about the person’s job.

Examples: “Hi Tom. How are things going over at the IT department today?” “Good morning. I’m really looking forward to the party after work today. I hear Pam brought her famous carrot cake!” “What a busy day.

This is the first time I’ve gotten up from my seat all day! Are you busy too?” 5. Observations Some of the best small talk is about where you and your conversation partner are located. It’s something you both share, so there’s no worry that they won’t know what you’re talking about. Look around and find something to comment on, or look at your partner and find something nice to compliment them on.

Nothing makes people feel better than a genuine compliment! Examples: “I love your shoes today, they really pull your outfit together.” “Did you see? They finally fixed the light in the break room. It’s been broken for almost a month!” “Hey Pam, your cookies last night were delicious!

Thank you for making them for the party.” 6. Common Interests When you have something similar with your speaking partner, that means you have something to talk about. Find a mutual friend (a friend you both know) or a common interest or hobby, and you’ll have something to talk about. Keep in mind that English speakers rarely actually say the word “hobby,” so asking “What are your hobbies?” sounds strange and unnatural. Try asking questions instead, based on observations. Examples: “My cousin mentioned you last night. I didn’t know you knew her!

Where did you meet?” “I noticed your hat has a Yankees logo. Are you a fan of baseball too?” “I tried baking cookies like yours last night and they came out terrible. How do you make them so good?” 7. Questions You might have noticed by now that most of these small talk examples have something in common: They ask questions. A good way to start a conversation is to make a comment, then ask a question. This keeps the conversation from ending on your comment (and making things even more awkward!). When asking questions, listen as much as you talk, and don’t get too personal with your questions.

And remember to keep things positive! Examples: “Hey, I heard you were thinking of adopting a new dog. Did you find one?” “I’ve been meaning to ask you this for a while: how long have you been working here?” “Your hair always looks great. What hair products do you use?” The next time you’re standing with someone and no one is speaking, you know what to do!

English Conversation for All Occasions is a unique spoken English book of its kind, specially written to help Indian students. A quick look at the titles of the lessons would convince the reader that the book has been prepared by visualizing all types of situational conversations, which he may confront in his daily activities.

Whether one converses with his family members or moves about to mix in society, he will not feel tongue-tied for want of appropriate words or expressions. In a post office or barber’s shop, at a hotel or taxi stand, every person who has read this book, will be able to speak English fluently and with confidence. Mrs.Ganapati (Knocks at the door.) Anyone in? Verma (opening the door) Good morning Mrs.Ganapati, How nice to see you! Ganapati Hello, I thought I’d drop in and lend you a hand with settling down. Verma That is very kind of you. Do step inside.

Mrs.Ganapati What were you doing when I came in? Download Lagu Freya Through The Fire And Flames. Please do not let me interrupt your work.

Mrs.Verma I’ve finished cleaning the whole house. I had just gone in to finish with the Laundry clothes. Ganapati Let me help you with the Laundry clothes and then we can have a look around your house. Mrs.Verma I usually do all my Laundry on Mondays. Ganapati What Liquid detergent do you use for you top loading washing machine?

Verma I prefer to buy a locally made detergent soap. In my experience it is as effective as any of the expensive brands and much cheaper too. Mrs.Ganapati Do you also starch and iron fabrics yourself? Mrs.Verma I give the bigger clothes like bed sheets and towels to the dhobi(Washer man).

Shirts, under clothes and saris, I wash, starch and steam press at home. Mrs.Ganapati Here let me help you wring out the clothes which you rinse out. Then I will also hang them up to dry on the line outside. Verma Thanks a million. I apologize for putting you to clothes washing work instead of entertaining you. Mrs.Ganapati My neighbor in Bangalore has one top loading washing machine, she tells me that the electricity nearly always goes off, just when she wants to wash her clothes.

Mrs.Verma With so much of the laundry having to be done at home, it would be more convenient to have a separate laundry room with a large tub and a big sink. The top loading washing machine can also be installed here. Ganapati Yes, that would be very much easier. One could string out the clothes for drying also in the laundry room.

It would be a great boon during the rainy season. Mrs.Verma Well, the washing for this week is done at last. Let us sit down and have a cup of coffee. Ranjan: Good morning Prema. You are looking well this morning. Prema: Good morning to you too. You too are looking smart, (Ranjan is in conversations with other passengers waiting to enter the.

Thank Goodness there isn’t such a long line for the passenger lift this morning. But the building administration should plan to install Stairs lifts. Ranjan: Here comes the our Lift. It takes only eight lift passengers. I think we can all get in.

Come on, get in ahead of me. Prema: No, no, Ranjan. You were in the line. Before me, you get in first. Ranjan: That doesn’t matter, ladies first always. They both get into the passenger lift to go to their office apartment.

Prema in conversations with Ranjan That was very chivalrous of you. It is nice to come across a young man who has polite. These days, men treat women with even more discourtesy because they say, that if you women are to have equal rights, you must share the discomforts equally too. Ranjan I guess one could argue this subject in many ways. But personally I am of the opinion that man must have manners and etiquette to show courtesy to a lady.

Prema How about the ladies who work in a subordinate position to a man. Ranjan This is a situation which occurs all the time. And I do notice that the men are not quite sure as to how to deal with their. Prema I think that a girl or woman who is working under a man in a position must give him the respect due to his position. Ranjan You are quite right. Of course discipline must be maintained.

But if the boss shows some courtesy which is only, it doesn’t take anything away from his authority. Prema What exactly do you mean? Ranjan For instance, let us take the situation in which a man and a woman working in the same office apartment have to travel together to some place.

The man is senior to the lady. Who do you think ought to enter the lift first? Prema: We should allow the Senior citizens to enter waiting to enter the passenger elevator lift first. Some Senior citizens can not use stairs at office or home. My father can not use stairs at our residence.There are no residential elevators in our building, Ranjan: You should install a chair lift stairs at your residence for your father. Acorn stairlifts are perfect for multi-leveled houses with household members who have difficulty climbing stairs. When not in use, the chair lift stairs chair easily folds up and out of the way.

Each of these chair lift stairs are designed with homeowner of installation in mind, and a standard installation usually takes the average homeowner about 2-3 hours. Getting out of the passenger lift Prema: How many other lifts are there in this building apart from this passenger elevator lift? Ranjan: There are two freight lifts and two service lifts apart from eight passenger elevator lifts Prema: Well, normally, if there was no, the lady should enter first. But in this case, the matter would be decided by whoever is standing in the line ahead gets in first in the passenger elevator lift Ranjan Not really. After all the two people working in the same office building do know each other.

I see no harm in the gentleman letting the lady stand in front of him. In the same way, even though he is senior, he should open the door of the taxi or car for the lady to get into the vehicle. Even though people work at various grades in an office yet accepted office codes of courtesy ought not to be forgotten. Prema Well, now I know whom to ask for a car lift. Ranjan You’re always welcome. Niren: How many playground games were held?

Usually, on the final games day only the short distance races are run in fun outdoor games. Ranjan: That is true. The finals for the 100, 200, 400, and 800 meters races were held in fun outdoor games. There were relay races as well as hurdles and steeple-chase. The finalists for the field events, like javelin-throwing, discus-throwing and shot-put, were also performing for games in the center of the field. Long-jump, pole vault and high jump were judged for games at the far end of the field. Niren: How did they manage to carry out so many events for games at the same time?

Ranjan: The tracks for the track events like running races and hurdles were marked at the outer edge of the field. A space was left for ball game and discus throw in another section of the sport stadium. Each event had its own officials-the starter, time keeper and a judge. In this way, in a matter of three hours a number of finals of outdoors sports were held. Ranjan These fun outdoor sports are not included in athletics.

The long distance races like the marathon race, 1500 meters and 10,000 meters had already been held. The e ac tive games function ended with the prize distribution.

The winning team was really triumphant but there was an exhibition of real sporting spirit. The losers were not despondent or quarrel some or complaining. The winners shook hands with the losers. The losing team sportingly acknowledged the excellence of the winning team. It was a remarkable display of physical games and good sportsmanship.