3. Persiflage
Definition
Persiflage is a light, flippant, and/or mocking manner
of speech or writing. Also called banter, idle chatter, or small
talk.
5. Are all topics
acceptable?
If not, give some examples of topics that are not
acceptable and your opinion of why they are not
accepted
What about these?
1. The latest films
2. The One True Path to Eternal Life
3. The local basketball team
4. Cars
5. A product you would like to sell to
everyone
6. The Death Penalty
7. Your hometown
8. How much you make
9. Your last holiday
10. Your favorite movie-star
11. The correct political party
12. The weather
13. Gardening
14. Your health problems
15. Your family
7. Matching
exercise
Purpose Expression Structure
Ask about experience
Give advice
Make a suggestion
Express an opinion
Imagine a situation
Provide instructions
Offer something
Confirm information
Ask for more details
Agree or disagree
Open the package. Fill out
the Forms.
Where can I find out more?
I'm afraid I don't see it that
way.
Have you ever visited
Rome?
Let's go for a walk.
To me, that seems like a
waste of time.
You live in San Francisco,
don't you?
Would you like something
to drink?
If you were the boss, what
would you do?
You should visit Mt. Hood.
Conditional form
Question tag
Use of "some" in questions
rather than "any"
To me, In my opinion, I
think
Information question
Modal verbs such as
"should", "ought to", and
"had better"
Imperative form
Let's, Why don't you, How
about
Present perfect for
experience
I'm afraid I don't see / think
/ feel that way.
Try and make some sentences of your
own – your teacher will state the
purpose, you give the expression.
8. Small TalkExercise
You will be shown words/phrases, and you will have 30
seconds to say as much as possible about each topic
Let’s try it
You have 30 seconds to speak about each topic
30. Do some research
Spend time on the internet, reading magazines, or watching TV specials
about the type of people you are going to meet. For example, if you are
taking a class with students from other countries, take time after the first
few days of class to do some research. They will appreciate your effort and
your conversations will be much more interesting.
31. Stay away from religion
or strong political beliefs
While you may believe in something very strongly, beginning
conversations and making small talk about your own personal
convictions may abruptly end the conversation. Keep it light, don't try
to convince the other person that you have the "correct" information
about a higher being, political system, or other belief system.
32. The internet is your
friend
This is related to doing research about other people. If you have a business
gathering or are meeting people who share a common interest (a
basketball team, a tour group interested in art, etc.), take advantage of the
internet to learn specific vocabulary. Almost all businesses and interest
groups have glossaries on the internet explaining the most important
jargon related to their business or activity.
33. Ask yourself about your
own culture
What are some things that people may want to know about your culture,
country, or even the people who live there? Or are there things in your
culture that is drastically different from most other cultures? Make a list
and then practice speaking about these things so you’re ready when
someone from another country asks you about your home town/country,
or to make small talk about these topics.
34. Find common interests
If you find something you are both interested in, stick to that topic. For
example, if you’re both interested in travel, talk about the places you have
visited and the experiences you had. Compare experiences with each
other, but be careful and ensure you make comparisons and not
judgements. For example, don’t say „The food in my country is better than
food here (other country)”.
35. LISTEN!!!
Don’t be so preocupied with trying to think of something to speak about
that you don’t listen when the other person is speaking. Letting others
speak shows that you’re interested and encourages them to speak more.
This, in turn, makes them feel more comfortable, which ultimately makes
YOU more comfortable as well. When you are relaxed, the topics and
words will come much more naturally.
37. Topicsyoumay
discuss
Sports - current matches or games, favorite teams, etc.
Hobbies
Weather - boring, but can get the ball rolling!
Family - general questions, not questions about private matters
Media - films, books, magazines, etc.
Holidays - where, when, etc. but NOT how much!
Home town - where do you come from, how is it
different/similar to this town
Job - once again, general questions not too specific
Latest fashion and trends
Celebrities - any gossip you may have!
38. Topicsyou
shouldnot
discuss
Salary - how much do you make? - That's none of your
business!
Politics - wait until you get to know the person better
Intimate relationships - only for you and your partner, or maybe
your best friend
Religion - tolerance is the key!
Death - we need to face it, but not the first time we meet
someone new
Financial - related to salary above, most people prefer to keep
financial information to themselves
Sales - Don't try to sell something to someone you have just
met.
39. Free Practice
Practice by speaking to your teacher.
Speak about anything that comes to mind (avoid the sensitive topics, of course)
