3. Discussion
in groups of 3-4
With who do people make small talk?
How do people make small talk?
What do people talk about when making small talk?
What are good conversation starters? What are some good topics
for small talk? Which topics should be avoided? How to smoothly
end a small talk conversation?
Where/in which situations do people make small talk?
Why do people make small talk?
How do English and Finnish small talk seem to differ from each
other?
4. Role play
You are at an after party of an international conference held in
Dopir (an imaginary city)
You are given a new back story: (1) your home country, (2) the time
you arrived in Dopir, (3) your previous visits to Dopir, (4) your
opinion on the local Dopirian food
In addition you are given two random facts about a fellow student
Try to find the person described in your card by making small talk
with others
Move on from one conversation to another until you find your pair
When you find your pair, continue making small talk with each
other!
5. Tips
Introduce yourself politely
Ask questions
– ”Is this your first time in this city?”
– ”What do you think of ________?
– But remember: this is not an interview!
Share information about yourself
– “Oh, you're from ________? I'm from __________ .”
React to what your partner says
– “Really? What was that like?”
– “That sounds nice!”
6. Tips continued
End the conversation smoothly
– Use your imagination!
• ”Now if you excuse me, I need to use the
bathroom”
• “I'm going to get a new drink”
– “Well, I must go now, it was nice meeting you!”
– “It was nice to get to know you / talking to you!”
– “I hope you'll have a great time here!”
– “Have a nice evening!”
– ”See you later!”
7. For exampleA: Hello, I'm Pete!
B: Hi, I'm Maria. Nice to meet you! So, where are you from?
A: Nice to meet you too. I'm from Paris.
B: Oh, really? I have always wanted to go there! I'm from Stockholm myself.
A: All the way from Stockholm? When did you arrive here in Dopir?
B: I came here yesterday at noon. It's my first time in Dopir, so I wanted to have
time to look around a bit. What about you?
A: My flight was here just last night actually. I haven't had much free time here, but it's
fine, because I've been here five or six times before.
B: Well, then you must be familiar with the local food, right?
A: I love the food here, that's why I've been here so many times! Have you tried it yet?
B: Yes I have. It was okay, not bad. Well, looks like my co-workers are waiting for
me, I must go. It was nice talking to you, Pete!
A: You too, Maria! See you later!
