Making small talk - useful expressions in English

Small talk: You can't really escape the small, informal conversations that take place just about everywhere - in the queue, between neighbors, with your colleagues. These days, we even miss asking those questions in front of the coffee machine or waiting for the elevator.

But even at a distance, it's possible and more pleasant to start a video meeting or phone call with a few questions before tackling the more professional subjects. Here are a few useful expressions if you need to converse in English with your teams or customers!

SMALL TALK

Talking about the weather

• Beautiful day, isn't it?
• It looks like it's going to snow.
• I hear they're calling for thunderstorms all weekend.
• We couldn't ask for a nicer day, could we?
• Did you order this sunshine?

Talking about current events

• Did you catch the news today?
• Did you hear about ...?
• What do you think about this transit strike?
• I read in the paper today that...
• I heard on the radio today that...

At the office

• Looking forward to the weekend?
• Have you worked here long?
• I can't believe how busy/quiet we are today, can you?
• Would you like a cup of coffee?
• What do you think of the new computers?

At a social event

• So, how do you know Justin?
• Have you tried the cake that Sandy made?
• Are you enjoying yourself?
• Would you like another drink?
• I love your dress. Can I ask where you got it?

Out for a walk

• How old is your baby?
• What's your puppy's name?
• The trees are sure beautiful at this time of year!
• Do you like the new park?
• Nice day to be outside, isn't it?

Waiting somewhere

• I didn't think it would be so busy today.
• The bus must be running late today.
• It looks like we are going to wait for a while.
• How long have you been waiting?

Responding to good news

• That's great!
• That's wonderful!
  Congratulations
• Fantastic | cool!

Responding to bad or disappointing news

• I'm really sorry to hear that.
• Well I hope everything will be alright.
• Will you manage ok?
• That's terrible!
• I just can't believe it

Have you consulted the training rights available to you on your CPF?

Perhaps you have the budget to take individual, video or face-to-face English courses?

Contact us for more information.