Small Talk

In a social situation, we often do "small talk".  Many students find it hard to start a conversation.  In this Unit, we will look at some common topics for small talk, and expressions that can be used to start such conversation topics.

Asking a Question to Start a Conversation

So, what's new with you?

How have you been?

What have you been doing lately?

What's new?  Fill me in.  (Fill me in = Tell me everything)

How's your son doing?  How old is he now?

Your daughter must be in her teens now.  How's she doing?

Seen any good movies lately?

Read any good books lately?

Starting a Conversation Using the Weather

Nice weather today, isn't it?

Lovely weather, isn't it?

Lousy weather, isn't it?

What a storm we had last night!

What a blizzard!

It's hot and humid today, isn't it?

It's cold and windy out, isn't it?

Starting a Conversation Using Sports

Have you been following the baseball games?

Great game last night between the Giants and the Carp, huh?

The Giants are not doing so well this season, huh?

Are you still playing volleyball?

Spring is here.  It's tee-off time again, huh?  (= It's time to play golf again)