How to Make "Small Talk"

You may be able to deliver killer speeches, wonderful presentations and professional talks on topics of your choice. But can you make small talk? There are times in life when you need to make casual conversation. And in business, the social aspect of a business relationship is often as important as the professional one. Here are some top tips for making small talk.

1. Listen

Quiz

How much do you know about Britain? Try answering these questions.

But be careful! They’re not quite as easy as they seem.

1. Is Britain a country?

a) Yes. b) No.

2. What is England’s national anthem?

a) It doesn’t have one. b) “God Save the Queen!” 

3. Which countries does the Queen rule over?

a) The UK and all the countries in the Commonwealth. b) None.

4. Is healthcare free in Britain?

a) Yes. b) It depends.

5. What’s the most popular food in Britain?

a) Curry. b) Fish and chips.

Pride and prejudice

 EMMA:   

 Once upon a time there was a young woman who was full of pride...

Top 20 Favorite British Words

#1: Prat

Definition:  a stupid or foolish person

Example:

"Everyone's feeling a bit summery this morning, with a few rays breaking out over Britain and some of you lot daring to break the 'anyone who wears sunglasses in April is a prat' rule that we just made up." – 3am.co.uk, April 6, 2011

Straw that Broke the Camel’s Back

This is a fantastic phrase in Spoken English. 
 Every native speaker knows this phrase and uses it.

Have the Last Word

This is a common and useful expression in spoken English.  It also describes a certain type of stubborn personality.  It’s not really a good quality, but it’s a character trait that many people have.

Taking Yourself Too Seriously

This is a great phrase to explain a certain type of negative psychology. If someone “takes themselves too seriously” it means they aren’t seeing  the humor with what they are doing.