TELL ME MORE
  • HOME
  • 🦩 EARLY-BIRD OFFER
  • ❤ ENGLISH
  • CONTACT
  • About me
  • Personal Blog
       MY BLOG

 ❤ ENGLISH

Your Website

Weather as the Go-To Conversation Starter

19/2/2024

 
Picture
Small talk about the weather is a universal icebreaker, useful in almost any social situation. It's a way to connect with someone new or fill a silence without delving into more personal topics. Here's a concise guide to mastering weather small talk, complete with examples to make your conversations as refreshing as a cool breeze on a hot day.
Start with Observation
Begin by observing the current weather. It's direct, relevant, and gives the other person an easy way to engage.
​
  • Isn't it beautiful outside today? The sun really makes the city look different.
  • I can't remember the last time it rained this much. Have you seen any good movies on these rainy days?

Share a Personal Insight or Activity Related to the Weather
This adds a personal touch without oversharing, inviting the other person to share their experiences or preferences too.

  • I love this kind of weather because it's perfect for hiking. Do you enjoy outdoor activities?
  • Cold days like this make me want to stay in and bake cookies. What's your go-to cold weather comfort food?

Connect the Weather to Local Events or Activities
This can lead the conversation into new, interesting directions related to local culture, events, or shared experiences.
​
  • With the weather warming up, the local farmers' market should be starting soon. Have you ever been?
  • This rain should be great for the gardens in the park. Have you seen the tulips they plant every year?

Use Humour (When Appropriate)
Light humour can make small talk more enjoyable and memorable, but gauge the other person's mood and receptiveness.

  • I heard we might get snow tomorrow. Time to break out the shorts and sandals, right?
  • This weather is so unpredictable, I'm thinking of leaving an umbrella in every room of my house.

Spark Conversations with ...

6/2/2024

 
One of the most effective and genuine ways to engage in small talk is by complimenting or inquiring about personal items someone has. This strategy not only breaks the ice but also opens the door to learning more about the other person's interests, tastes, and personality.
​
Why Personal Items?
Personal items, whether it's a pen, a piece of jewellery, a book, or even a phone case, often carry stories or sentiments. They can reflect the owner's personality, interests, hobbies, or achievements. When you notice and comment on these items, it shows that you're paying attention and value what makes the other person unique.
Picture
And now to more practical approach:
When You Know the Person:
  • Noticed your colleague sporting a new watch? A simple, "Hey, that's a sleek watch! Is there a story behind it?" can lead to an engaging conversation about personal tastes, recent celebrations, or memorable experiences.
When You Don't Know the Person:
  • At a networking event and spot someone with a unique pen? Break the ice with, "That pen caught my eye. It looks quite unique. Where did you find it?" This can open up a dialogue about interests, hobbies, or even lead to discussions on work-related topics if the pen has a professional significance.
The key is to be observant and genuine. Personal items are extensions of our identities and interests. By acknowledging them, you're not just making small talk; you're valuing what matters to the person. So, next time you're looking for a conversation starter, let the little things around you inspire your curiosity and connection.

SMALL TALK IS A TEST

31/1/2024

 
Picture
Small talk is more than just casual conversation; it's a  key indicator of trustworthiness and social skil l. By excelling in small talk, you show that you understand social norms and have strong communication abilities. This not only helps in assessing mutual interests and compatibility, but also signals that you're a safe and reliable partner for deeper, more meaningful conversations. In essence, being adept at small talk opens the door to richer, more engaging interactions, making it a vital tool in effective social exchange.
View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Matthias James Barker, LMHC (@matthiasjbarker)


    AUTHOR

    Written by Agnieszka Kansy​
    You can find some info about me HERE


    Categories

    All
    12MONTHS/12TASKS
    Apps
    Beinspired
    Christmas
    Courses
    Funny
    Games
    Good Student
    HumansofNY
    Intentional Conversations
    Interviews With My Students
    Leading Questions
    Learningtip
    London
    Love Idioms
    Lowering Your Voice
    Pen
    Presentations
    Q&A
    Small Talk
    Speaking
    Speaking Tip
    Taboo Questions
    Useful Expressions
    Video
    Vocabulary
    You're Welcome


    Archives

    May 2025
    March 2025
    January 2025
    November 2024
    September 2024
    June 2024
    May 2024
    April 2024
    February 2024
    January 2024
    October 2023
    July 2023
    May 2023
    March 2023
    February 2023
    December 2022
    October 2022
    September 2022
    March 2022
    December 2021
    November 2021
    October 2021
    July 2021
    April 2021
    March 2021
    February 2021
    January 2021
    December 2020
    July 2020
    June 2020
    May 2020
    December 2019
    November 2019
    June 2019
    May 2019
    March 2019
    February 2019
    December 2018
    November 2018
    October 2018
    September 2018
    August 2018
    June 2018
    May 2018
    March 2018
    January 2018
    December 2017
    November 2017
    March 2017
    February 2017

Your Website
Picture
  • HOME
  • 🦩 EARLY-BIRD OFFER
  • ❤ ENGLISH
  • CONTACT
  • About me
  • Personal Blog