Why is small talk difficult for some English learners?

First of all, making small talk is not difficult only for English learners, but also for many native speakers of English. However, small talk can be especially difficult for some learners because making small talk means talking about almost anything - and that means having a wide vocabulary that can cover most topics. Most English learners have excellent vocabulary in specific areas, but may have difficulties discussing topics they are unfamiliar with because of a lack of appropriate vocabulary.

This lack of vocabulary leads to some students’ 'blocking'. They slow down or stop speaking completely because of a lack of self-confidence.

How to Improve Small Talk Skills

Now that we understand the problem, the next step is to improve the situation. Here are some tips to improve small talk skills. Of course, making effective small talk means lots of practice, but keeping these tips in mind should improve overall conversational skills.

· Dosomeresearch

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 interest and your conversations will be much more interesting.

· Stay away from religion/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.

· Use the Internet to gain specific vocabulary

This is related to doing research about other people. If you have a business meeting, 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.

· Askyourselfaboutyourculture

Take time to make a list of common interests that are discussed when making small talk in your own culture. You can do this in your own language, but check to make sure that you have the English vocabulary to make small talk about those subjects.

· Findcommoninterests

Once you have a subject that interests both of you, keep to it! You can do this in a number of ways: talking about travel, talking about the school or friend you have in common, talking about the differences between your culture and the new culture (just be careful to make comparisons and not judgments, i.e., The food in our country is better than the food here in England").

· Listen

This is very important. Don't get so worried about being able to communicate that you don't listen. Listening carefully will help you understand and encourage those speaking to you. You might be nervous, but letting others state their opinions will improve the quality of the discussion - and give you time to think of an answer!

Task 1: Answer the questions

1. Why is the skill of making small talk important?

2. What are the situations in which small talk is necessary?

3. What are “the safest topics” for conversation in Great Britain? In the US? In your country?

4. What are the general rules of making a successful small talk?

Task 2: Work in pairs. Make small talk between

- two students living in a hostel

- two colleagues working in different department

- two fellow-travelers (on a plane, on a train etc)

- two quests at a party

- two visitors at a concert (a lecture, at a museum etc)

- two customers at a shop (at a bank)

- neighbors living in the same street

- etc.

V. Social Contacts: First Name, Last Name Or Title?

Talking TO People

There are different ways to talk to people depending on your relationship and the situation. Here are the basics of using first name, titles, and other forms in spoken English.

First Name Only

Use the first name in informal and friendly situations. Use first name with your friends, co-workers, acquaintances and fellow students.

Hi, Tom. Do you want to go to a film tonight? - Man to his friend
Excuse me, Mary. What did you think of that presentation yesterday? - Woman to a co-worker in the office
Do you know the answer to number seven, Jack? - Student to another student

If you are speaking with co-workers in the office about work, use a first name. However, if you are speaking to a supervisor or someone you manage, you may have to use a title and last name in more formal situations. The use of first name or title depends on the atmosphere in the office. Traditional businesses (banks, insurance companies, etc.) tend to be more formal. Young companies, such as internet companies, are often very informal.

Ms. Smith, could you come to the meeting this afternoon? - Supervisor speaking to a subordinate at work
Here is the report you asked for Mr. James. - Man to his supervisor

Title and Last Name

Use the title (Mr, Mrs, Ms, etc.) and last name in formal situations such as meetings, public speaking, or when speaking to superiors at work or school. Remember that some work places prefer an informal tone between management and staff. It's best to begin using a title and last name (Hello, Ms Anders!) and change if your supervisors ask you to use a first name basis.

Good morning Ms Johnson. Did you have a good weekend? - Student to her teacher
Mr Johnson, I'd like to introduce you to Jack West from Chicago. - Employee introducing a colleague to his supervisor

Talking ABOUT People

Speaking about other people also depends on the situation. Generally, in informal situations use first names. In more formal situations, use the title and last names. In addition to these choices, there are a few other possibilities.

First Name Only

Used in informal situations with friends and co-workers.

Have you heard that Mary is moving to Los Angeles? - Boy speaking to his friend
Peter's getting a promotion next month. - Woman speaking to a co-worker

Last Name Only

When speaking about public figures such as actors and politicians, it is also quite common to use just the last name.

Bush is finally leaving soon! - One man to another
Nadal is a monster on the court. - A tennis player speaking to his doubles partner

Sometimes, supervisors might use just the last name when speaking to a co-worker.

Generally, this means the supervisor is not too happy.

Jones hasn't completed the report on time. - Boss complaining to another manager
Ask Anderson to come into the office as soon as he gets in. - Supervisor speaking to a co-worker

First and Last Name

Use both the first and last name in informal and formal situations in order to be more specific in identifying a person.

Frank Olaf was promoted to department head last week. - One co-worker to another
Isn't that Susan Hart over there? - One friend to another

Title and Last Name

Use the title and last name in more formal situations. Use this form when showing respect and / or being polite.

I think Ms Wright assigned some homework. - One student to a teacher
I think Mr Adams is the best candidate. - One voter speaking to another voter at a rally

Task: make up a short conversation using first name, title or other forms appropriately:

- a man with his friend

- a woman with her co-worker in the office

- a girl with her friend on the phone

- a boy with his friend’s mother

- a clerk in the bank with his boss

- a boss with his subordinate

- a student to her/his teacher

- an employee introducing a colleague to his supervisor

- a boy speaking to his friend about another friend

- a woman speaking to her co-worker about their colleague

- two students speaking about their professor (their friend)