Successful Small Talk
B2 Business English · Social & Professional Communication
01 · Warm-Up
Getting Started
What is small talk, and why do people use it in a business context?
In your culture, what topics are common or polite for small talk?
How has small talk changed since the pandemic?
What topics should you avoid in small talk?
How can small talk help you start a conversation with someone new?
Do you find small talk easy or difficult in English? Why?
Which generations in your view appreciate small talk more? Why?
02 · Vocabulary
Key Small Talk Vocabulary
Practise the vocabulary on Quizlet
Open Quizlet| EXPRESSION | EXAMPLE |
|---|---|
| banter with colleagues | We often banter with colleagues over lunch. |
| build rapport with sb | Small talk helps you build rapport with new clients. |
| chat around the water cooler | We often chat around the water cooler about weekend plans. |
| pussyfoot around the sensitive issues | Don't pussyfoot around the issue — just say what you mean. |
| debate with sb / argue with sb | It's best not to debate politics with clients. |
| respectful | Always be respectful when discussing sensitive topics. |
| dive into a topic | Don't dive into business topics before some small talk. |
| feel uneasy | Some people feel uneasy with silence in conversations. |
| take offence at sth | Be careful not to say anything that might cause someone to take offence. |
| annual trade fair | We met at the annual trade fair in Frankfurt. |
| have your hands full | With three projects running, I've got my hands full. |
| train sb in | We're training the new staff in safety procedures. |
| get to know sb | Small talk is a great way to get to know your colleagues. |
| break the ice | A simple question about the weather can break the ice. |
| common ground | Finding common ground makes conversations flow naturally. |
| keep it light | In a first meeting, it's best to keep it light. |
03 · Topics
Safe & Risky Topics
Knowing which topics to choose — and which to avoid — is essential for successful small talk in a professional context.
Safe Topics
Topics to Avoid
04 · Dialogues
Put the Dialogue in Order
Read each scrambled dialogue. Number the lines in the correct order, then click to reveal the answer.
At a Conference
Two professionals meet at a business conference. Put the lines in the correct order.
Great, me too. I work in renewable energy. What about you?
Hi, I'm Sarah. Are you here for the whole conference?
Yes, I'm looking forward to the afternoon session. I'm Tom, by the way.
I'm in manufacturing — we supply components to the energy sector, actually.
Oh, that's interesting! We should definitely talk more after the panel.
Before a Meeting
Two colleagues chat before a client meeting starts. Put the lines in the correct order.
Not bad, thanks. Did you manage to get here okay? The traffic was terrible this morning.
Morning! How are you doing?
Yes, I took the train — much easier. Are you ready for the presentation?
I think so. I just need to check the slides one more time.
I'm sure it'll go well. The client seemed really interested last time.
At the Water Cooler
Two colleagues chat informally at the office. Put the lines in the correct order.
Oh, I know the feeling. I've had my hands full with the new project.
Hey, how was your weekend?
Pretty good, actually. We went hiking. What about you?
Sounds tough. Is the deadline still Friday?
Afraid so. Right, better get back to it!
04 · ABCD Test
Vocabulary Test
1. When you _____ with someone, you have a friendly, teasing conversation.
2. To _____ rapport means to develop a good relationship with someone.
3. If you _____ into a topic too quickly, you may make the other person uncomfortable.
4. To _____ the ice means to start a conversation and make people feel more relaxed.
5. If you have your hands _____, you are very busy.
6. To _____ offence means to feel upset or insulted by something someone says.
7. Finding _____ ground helps two people connect and continue a conversation.
8. To _____ around sensitive issues means to avoid talking about them directly.
05 · Video
Why Gen Z Struggles With Small Talk
Watch the video, then decide whether each statement is True or False. Click each statement to reveal the answer.
Practise video vocabulary on Quizlet07 · Discussion
Discussion Questions
What is small talk, and why do people use it in a business context?
In your culture, what topics are common or polite for small talk?
How has small talk changed since the pandemic?
What topics should you avoid in small talk?
How can small talk help you start a conversation with someone new?
Do you find small talk easy or difficult in English? Why?
Which generations in your view appreciate small talk more? Why?
Have you ever been in an awkward silence during small talk? How did you handle it?
Do you think small talk is more important in some industries than others?
How do you start a conversation with someone you've never met at a business event?
What's the best small talk topic in your experience? Why does it work well?
Do you think small talk is a skill that can be learned, or is it natural?
How do you politely end a small talk conversation when you need to move on?
What differences have you noticed in small talk styles between different cultures?
How important is humour in small talk? Can it go wrong?