Small Talk — Keeping a Conversation Going

Small talk keeps a conversation warm — what do fluent speakers actually say?

Notice

  • So, how’s it going? / Nice weather today, isn’t it?
  • Really? Tell me more. / That sounds interesting!
  • Anyway, it was great catching up with you.

Rule

Combine question tags and indirect questions with everyday conversation fillers: showing interest (Really? That sounds…), keeping the conversation going (Tell me more, What happened next?), and closing politely (Anyway, it was great to…).

Practice

  1. “That sounds ___ !” (showing interest)
    Answer: interesting
  2. “Nice weather today, ___ ?” (tag)
    Answer: isn’t it
  3. “___ , it was great catching up.” (closing)
    Answer: Anyway
  4. “___ ? Tell me more.” (showing interest)
    Answer: Really
  5. “You work at the hospital, ___ ?” (tag)
    Answer: don’t you

Connect

Practise the natural rhythm of small talk out loud.

Try Pronunciation Practice →

CEFR: Spoken Interaction — maintain a simple conversation on familiar topics.

Azizul Hakim
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