Lesson 1 - Small Talk

conversation - small talk, break the ice

people - bank teller, colleagues, mother/father-in-

law (in-laws)

place - queue, cherry blossoms, downtown

phrases - call for, run late, catch up on

VOCABULARY

Grammar Focus

Embedded questions:

Do you know Please tell me

Id like to know Could you tell me..

Would you mind explaining Im not sure...

note: if the question is answerable by yes or no, you start it

with if

Question: What is a small talk?

Woman: We couldnt ask for a better day, could we? Man: I know. There isn't a cloud in the sky. I love this time of year. Woman: Me too. The cherry blossoms are beautiful, aren't they? Man: They sure are. But I heard they are calling for rain all weekend. Woman: Really? Oh well. I have to work all weekend anyway. Man: Wow. I think you like your work. Woman: Yes, I do. Ah, this bus seems to be running late. How long have you been waiting? Man: I've been here for at least fifteen minutes now. Woman: Where are you heading? Man: Actually, I'm going to the park. Woman: Oh, what a coincidence. So am I! Here comes a bus now. Man: Oh good. Wait, that's not the bus we want. That bus goes downtown. Woman: Well, it looks like we'll be waiting a little longer. I guess, I'll use this time to catch up on my reading. Man: Oh, here's our bus. Woman: Oh great. I thought it would never come. Well, have a nice day. Man: Thanks. You too.

Beautiful Day,

Isnt it? Small Talk

Lesson 1

Reading

Do you find it easy to start or have a small talk in Korean? How about

in English? Why or why not? Why do you think its difficult to open a

small talk?

QUESTION 1

What topics are best avoided during small talk in Korea? How

about in other English countries? What are the topics do you

usually talk about?

QUESTION 2

Do you know people who are good at making small talk? What

makes them good at it?

QUESTION 3

Which of the following people do you find it easier to chat with: your

mother/father-in-law, a taxi driver, your doctor, a shop assistant, bank

teller, with clients, with your boss, with your workmates/colleagues/

classmates?

QUESTION 4

In which of the following situations would you or wouldnt you chat with

a stranger: doctors waiting room, waiting at the bus stop, standing in

the queue at the supermarket, on a long train journey, on a plane, at a

party or at a business lunch?

QUESTION 5

Lesson 1 - Small Talk

Try to start and have a small talk with your teacher for the

next class. Think of a situation and the topic/s that you are

comfortable to talk about.

Home Work

USEFUL EXPRESSIONS

time will tell (phr.) the results of an

action cant be known

beforehand

This may not be a good

idea, but time will tell

talk to the hand

(Informal)

(v.) to tell some that you

dont wish to listen and

that they may stop.

I dont want to hear your

excuses anymore. Just

talk to the hand!

talk back (v.) to answer in a rude

way.

You shouldnt talk back

to your parents like that.

speak ones

mind

(v.) to say exactly what

one really thinks, talk

freely and fearlessly.

Shes not afraid to speak

her mind, even it upsets

people.

truth be told

(informal)

(tell the truth)

(phr.) real talk or to be

honest

Actually, to tell you the

truth, I dont like how

your boyfriend treats

you.

Lesson 1 - Small Talk