Small talk can be an important aspect of building rapport with a client or colleague. However, the objective of this lesson is not to imply that you must always have small talk in business. Rather, this lesson will help you be more comfortable with small talk to give you the choice of having small talk in situations where it is appropriate and beneficial.
- What are some cultural expectations to small talk that you know about?
- You are greeting a client you know well. What are a few questions you'd ask?
1. This dialog takes place in a large office with a diverse workforce. Choose a person and read the dialog with your teacher, then discuss what you would do differently if you were that person.
Tim: Good morning, how’s it going today?
Arnie: Fine, and you?
Tim: I can’t complain. The sun’s shining. It’s supposed to be beautiful this weekend. What are you up to? Any plans?
Arnie: I haven’t thought about it.
Tim: You should get out, get some fresh air and have fun!
Arnie: I suppose.
Tim: The boys and I are going to go up to the lake on Sunday for a barbecue. You should join us.
Arnie: Thanks for the offer. I'm fine though.
2. How does small talk vary around the world?
A. Talking about simple topics like the weather doesn't have to be boring. Discuss the following phrases with your instructor:
- It’s lovely/beautiful today, isn’t it?
- What fantastic weather we're having!
- What miserable/terrible/awful weather today.
- Oh my goodness, it’s raining cats and dogs. I hope it clears up for the weekend.
- It’s been unseasonably hot, hasn’t it?
- It's so muggy today. I'll be honest, the humidity really gets to me!
B. One common conversation framework is the "triple-A" method: Answer, Add, Ask a return question.
With your teacher, think of a response, additional information and a follow-up question to each of these small-talk openers:
- How about this weather? It's pouring out there, isn't it?
- How's your week going?
- How was your meeting?
- Any plans over the weekend?
C. Some diverse teams start with ice-breaker activities to encourage understanding and open communication. Work with your teacher through each of the following ice-breakers:
- Fun fact:
What's a fun fact about you? - One shining moment:
Think of an impressive (and specific) success story you have. - Things in common:
Work with your teacher and find 3 surprising things you have in common. - Describe the other:
Now that you've gotten to know the other person, describe them.
Take a look at the profiles below.
With your teacher, think of at least two good opening questions.
- Antonio is an English-speaking consultant in your office. You worked together on a project last year. He loves playing football and drinking with colleagues. It's Friday, and you see him getting coffee and a doughnut at your office. He says, "Hi."
- Monty is your client. You have worked with him for over a year on two different projects. During that time, he's had his first child and he's recently returned from paternity leave. His wife's name is Anne. He loves basketball and cheers for the Golden State Warriors.
- Anna is a client you are meeting for the second time. She is from Sweden and seems friendly, but during the last meeting, you only did formal introductions. It's Monday. Last night a typhoon hit, and this morning some train lines and roads were closed.
- Shawna is your counterpart at a client company. She's originally from Louisiana (the American south). She loves outdoor activities like hiking. You've been meeting every other day for about a month. It's Monday, and she seems tired.