General English Level 5 V 3
UNIT 01 What's going on in my life? TOPIC 03 At the wedding
LANGUAGE FOCUS 03 Small talk
In this activity we look at how to have a conversation when we meet people for the first time, or when we are at a party or social event.

1. Starting a conversation

To start a conversation we often ask a question we think the new person will agree with. The questions are not about serious topics. We ask about topics like the weather, music, food or others things around us. The questions are usually yes/no questions or tag questions.

George and Keith say:
George:
Aren't they a lovely couple?
Keith:
Yes, they look very happy. Hi, I haven't met you before. I'm Keith.
George: Hello, Keith. I'm George. I'm Sophie's father.

George and Keith do not know each other. George asks a question that he thinks Keith will agree with. He does this to start a conversation. Keith agrees with the question and they introduce themselves.

Sophie and Lee say:
Sophie:
Hello, I'm Sophie. You're a friend of Layla's, aren't you?
Lee:
Yes. Hi, I'm Lee.

Sophie and Lee don't know each other. Sophie asks a question that she thinks Lee will agree with. Lee agrees with Sophie's question and then introduces himself.

Examples

1 Read the examples.
2 Listen to the examples.
3 Practise saying each example. Use the Pause button.
It's a great party, isn't it?
Isn't it a beautiful day?
The house looks lovely, doesn't it?
Are you from around here?
The music is great, isn't it?
Are you having a good time?

2. Complimenting

When we say nice things about other people, we are complimenting them. When someone gives us a compliment, we usually thank him or her.

Keith and George say:
Keith:
Oh, you must be very proud. Sophie looks beautiful.
George:
Yes, I am. Her mother and I are very pleased.

Keith compliments George's daughter, Sophie. He says, "Sophie looks beautiful."

Layla and Jenny say:
Layla:
You look radiant, Jenny.
Jenny:
Thanks, Layla.

Layla compliments Jenny on her appearance. Jenny thanks her.

Lee and Sophie say:
Lee:
You look absolutely stunning, Sophie.
Sophie:
Oh, thanks, Lee., It's very nice of you to say that.

Lee compliments Sophie on her appearance. Sophie thanks him.

Examples

1 Read the examples.
2 Listen to the examples.
3 Practise saying each example. Use the Pause button.
You look nice today.
Thank you.

Mmm, this cake you cooked is delicious!
Thanks. I'm glad you like it.

I like your haircut! It really suits you.
Thanks.

You have a beautiful home.
Thank you. It's nice of you to say that.

That's a lovely shirt you are wearing.
Thanks. It's a beautiful colour, isn't it?

Congratulations. You've done a good job.
Thanks. It's kind of you to say so.

3. Expressing sympathy

We express sympathy when we hear bad news. Expressing sympathy is a way of showing people that we are concerned about them.

Jenny and Layla say:
Jenny:
Last time I saw you, you were engaged. Are you married?
Layla:
No, it didn't work out. We wanted different things.
Jenny: I'm sorry to hear that.

Layla tells Jenny bad news about her relationship. Jenny expresses her sympathy by saying " I'm sorry to hear that ".

Examples

1 Read the examples.
2 Listen to the examples.
3 Practise saying each example. Use the Pause button.
I failed the test.
Oh, that's bad luck.

I was really sick last week.
I'm sorry to hear that.

My father is in hospital.
I'm really sorry to hear that.

Joe had an accident last night.
Oh, that's awful.

Find out more about Congratulations.

4. Continuing a conversation

We can get to know people by asking about their relationships to other people we know.

George and Keith say:
George:
Are you a friend of Sophie's or Matt's?
Keith:
I'm a friend of Matt's. I work with him at CAB.

George asks Keith about his relationship to other people at the wedding. He does this to get to know Keith better. Keith answers and gives more information about himself.

Sophie and Lee say:
Sophie:
H ow do you know Layla , Lee ?
Lee:
Oh, we studied at University together. She's finished now, but I'm still there.

Sophie asks Lee about his relationship to her friend, Layla. She does this to find out more about Lee.

We can get to know people by asking about their relationships to other people we know.

Examples

1 Read the examples.
2 Listen to the examples.
3 Practise saying each example. Use the Pause button.
Are you a friend of John?
Yes, we went to school together.

Do you know Sophie?
No, but I'm a friend of Matt's.

How do you know Mathew?
We used to live together when we were students.

5. Asking general questions

We can ask people general questions about their lives - for example, where they live, where they come from, what they do, what they like and dislike. These questions invite people to talk about themselves, and keep a conversation going. When we talk about these topics it is called small talk.

George and Keith say:
George:
Where are you from Keith?
Keith:
Canada. I came here for work three years ago.
George: Canada, hey? Do you like it here?
Keith: Yes. My life is wonderful here.

George asks Keith general questions about his life. These questions keep the conversation going.


In situations where we are meeting people for the first time or at parties or social events we usually don't talk about topics that people have strong opinions about, like politics, religion or money.


Now go to 04 SPEAKING Small talk - part 1.