Small Talk in English

Communicating nicely both in online and face-to-face settings is increasingly important. Starting off a conversation with a new person can be one of the most difficult and challenging things to do in another language.This course will guide you through the key strategies and useful language that you need to know to make small talk in English.

Improving your communication skills through small talk will enable you to better connect and be liked by others.

• Learn how to make a good first impression and hear what kinds of topics are good to start off your small talk

• Listen to easy-to-follow videos with animations and short sketches which provide examples of small talk strategies and useful language

• Practice telling good stories and adding spice to your conversation with metaphors, adjectives and adverbs

• Become a better listener and smoothly move your small talk to big talk

Master the strategies of small talk to communicate better in English

Small talk, or the art of talking about very little, is a key way to connect with others and to get them to like you. This is important in your relationships with friends and family, at school, in business, or even when seeking a life partner. In other words it is important when talking to everybody! 

Small talk sounds easy but around 70% of people say that they are not good at it and need some support and advice. In this course we will show you key strategies and teach you useful language that will help you start, continue and end your small talk successfully. Through explanations, examples and quizzes we’ll help you to improve your knowledge of and mastery of small talk techniques.

Contents and Overview

The course consists of 14 lectures that guide you through the key strategies and useful language to improve your small talk in English.

These are:

• Explaining what small talk is

• Showing how to give a good first impression and beginning your small talk successfully

• Teaching you how to tell a good story and expanding your topics for small talk conversations

• Showing how you can be a better listener and how to deal with conversations that don’t always go well

• Showing how to move smoothly between small talk and more serious topics 

In a bonus lecture we also introduce three examples of real small talk with scripts and commentary.

Once you have watched the videos, listened to the mini-lectures and animations and tried out the quizzes we are sure you will be better able to make small talk and feel more confident and capable about your English speaking. And others will connect with you and like you more!

So, we wish you happy English learning!

Who this course is for:

• Anyone who wants to get better at small talk in English