Small Talk Advanced
Small Talk
1. Are you a good or bad at small talk? How so?
2. Do you think small talk is important or useful? How so?
3. Have you ever been to a networking event? How was it? If not, would you like to go to one?
Jane: Hi there! I don't know anyone at this networking _____________. My name is Jane. I work in sales. What about you?
Kate: Hello, Jane. It's nice to meet you! It's not always easy meeting new people here. I'm Kate, and I work in ________________.
Jane: Great to meet you, Kate! How long have you been working in marketing?
Kate: For 3 years now. I'm currently involved in a project to expand our client base. What about you? Any exciting _____________ in marketing?
Jane: Yes, I am! We're launching a new campaign to promote a skincare company. It's keeping us quite busy.
Kate: That sounds interesting! What _____________ are you using to promote the company?
Jane: We are focusing on advertising on social media and getting influencers to promote the products.
Kate: Wow. I've read how influencer marketing is gaining traction. How do you think it might _____________ sales strategies?
Jane: We think it will help get more exposure with younger people who we want to sell to. More young people are on ________________________ and see more advertisements there than anywhere else.
Kate: Wow, that's interesting. I'm wondering if my company should be investing more of our time into social media.
Jane: Definitely look into it. My company is always looking for new _____________, so if you're interested at all in wanting to know how we can help with marketing, I'd be happy to get you connected.
Kate: That would be great. I'll let you know if we are interested. Beyond work, what do you enjoy doing in your free time?
Jane: I'm into dancing, painting, and photography. Anything ______________, really. How about you?
Kate: That's so cool! I wish I was more artistic but I'm not very talented when it comes to art. I mostly enjoy anything outdoors. I like to go hiking, surfing, and running.
Jane: I had no idea you're so ________________. Well, it's been great talking to you Jane. We should exchange contact information and maybe grab coffee sometime.
Kate: Absolutely. Here's my _________________ card. Let's stay in touch.
Jane: Thanks, looking forward to it. Enjoy the rest of the event!
Jane: Hi there! I don't know anyone at this networking event. My name is Jane. I work in sales. What about you?
Kate: Hello, Jane. It's nice to meet you! It's not always easy meeting new people here. I'm Kate, and I work in marketing.
Jane: Great to meet you, Kate! How long have you been working in marketing?
Kate: For 3 years now. I'm currently involved in a project to expand our client base. What about you? Any exciting projects in marketing?
Jane: Yes, I am! We're launching a new campaign to promote a skincare company. It's keeping us quite busy.
Kate: That sounds interesting! What strategies are you using to promote the company?
Jane: We are focusing on advertising on social media and getting influencers to promote the products.
Kate: Wow. I've read how influencer marketing is gaining traction. How do you think it might impact sales strategies?
Jane: We think it will help get more exposure with younger people who we want to sell to. More young people are on social media and see more advertisements there than anywhere else.
Kate: Wow, that's interesting. I'm wondering if my company should be investing more of our time into social media.
Jane: Definitely look into it. My company is always looking for new clients, so if you're interested at all in wanting to know how we can help with marketing, I'd be happy to get you connected.
Kate: That would be great. I'll let you know if we are interested. Beyond work, what do you enjoy doing in your free time?
Jane: I'm into dancing, painting, and photography. Anything artistic, really. How about you?
Kate: That's so cool! I wish I was more artistic but I'm not very talented when it comes to art. I mostly enjoy anything outdoors. I like to go hiking, surfing, and running.
Jane: I had no idea you're so adventurous. Well, it's been great talking to you Jane. We should exchange contact information and maybe grab coffee sometime.
Kate: Absolutely. Here's my business card. Let's stay in touch.
Jane: Thanks, looking forward to it. Enjoy the rest of the event!
1. What project is Kate working on?
2. Why does Jane think promoting products on social media is a good idea?
3. How does Jane describe her hobbies and interests?
4. What does Jane propose to Kate in the future?
1. Expand her client base.
2. More young people see advertisements on social media than anywhere else.
3. Artistic.
4. Go for a coffee.
1. How do you usually 'break the ice' and start a small talk conversation?
2. Have you ever been to a networking event? How was it? If not, would you like to go to one?
3. Do you think networking events are a good way to find a job or business connections? Why or why not?
Client Base: The group of customers or clients that a business or professional serves or interacts with regularly.
Launching: Introducing a new product, service, or initiative to the public or market.
Campaign: A planned series of activities, often with a specific goal, to promote a product, service, or cause.
Impact: The effect or influence that something has on a person, situation, or system.
Exposure: The degree of public attention or visibility that something receives.
Stay in Touch: Maintaining communication or contact with someone over time, often to sustain a relationship or connection.
Step 1: Introduce the topic of small talk and give a definition of it. Talk about how small talk is a good way to practice English and it can be important for business or meeting new people. Describe how small talk can be 'awkward' and 'uncomfortable' in certain situations, and how in business it's important to make a good first impression.
Step 2: Have the students discuss the warm-up questions. Ask for some answers after they are done.
Step 3: Play the audio. Have your students listen and fill in the missing words in the script.
Step 4: Have the students complete the vocabulary worksheet before or after the listening. This will depend on teacher preferences.
Step 5: Let the students discuss the discussion questions and elicit answers from them after they are done. You should get them to use the vocabulary in their discussions.