If you are learning a language, you should remember that small talk is one of the most important ways to practice outside the classroom. If you are living in Germany, you will notice that the people tend to be direct and to the point. Many Germans skip small talk at work and get straight to business. Some learners from Germany say they feel awkward asking personal questions or talking about the weather, and they think it’s a waste of time. But if you’re speaking English with international colleagues, skipping small talk can make you seem cold or distant.
I come from Ireland, where small talk is integral to daily life! Especially down the country. Chatting with strangers at the bus stop, colleagues before meetings, or casual people you meet is not strange for the Irish. The people in Ireland often use humor and personal stories and tease others to build friendly connections quickly. For example, if you are introduced to somebody’s friend, you might mildly tease:
You: So you’re the famous Sarah? I’ve heard all about you — don’t worry, mostly good things!
Sarah: Ha! Mostly? Now I’m worried!
You: Don’t worry, your secrets are safe with me.
This short exchange shows how teasing makes people feel at ease. Instead of a stiff introduction, there’s laughter and a sense that you’re both equal. In Ireland, this kind of playful comment tells the other person, “I’m relaxed, you can be too.”
It’s your first day at work as a trainer at the language school.
The receptionist: You are the new trainer! Are you sure you know what you’ve signed up for?”
You: Too late to run now, I suppose!
This tiny exchange tells you: “You’re welcome here, but we don’t take ourselves too seriously.” That’s pure Irish workplace banter! You might hear some openings and responses like:
- Look who decided to show up!
- Ah, so you’re the famous … I’ve heard about!
- Are you sure you know what you’ve signed up for?
- If you believe that, you’ll believe anything!
It is essential to keep it light and not refer to personal things like religion, appearance, money, family, or sensitive topics. Also, include some humor that is a bit of a self-joke. This shows that you are ready to laugh at yourself, too. If you’re not sure, start with very mild jokes first. See if the other person jokes back. For example, this dialogue at the airport:
A: Well, looks like we’re not going anywhere fast today!
B: Sure doesn’t look like it. You’d think they’d at least hand out free pints to keep us quiet.
A: They know we’d never get on the plane if they did that.
B: True. Where are you off to anyway?
A: London. If we ever leave. Yourself?
B: Same here. Maybe we’ll get there by Christmas.
This is an excellent opportunity to practice small talk, as everybody has the same problem. The whole tone of this small talk says, “We’re both stuck, so we might as well have a bit of craic.” The following situations would be perfect opportunities for small talk:
- Watching kids at a playground. ➜ “They never run out of energy, do they?”
- Dog owners in a park waiting while dogs sniff each other. ➜“Looks like they’ve already decided to be best friends!”
- Smoking area outside an office or bar. ➜ “Funny how this ends up being the real meeting place, isn’t it?”
- Fire alarm or drill when people gather outside. ➜ “Well, at least it’s not raining… yet!”
- The elevator gets stuck for a minute. ➜ “They’ll rescue us eventually, right?”
- Doctor’s waiting room. ➜ “Always feels longer when you’re actually on time, doesn’t it?”
- Waiting at an office ➜ “Hope they haven’t forgotten about us in here!”
- Early arrival for a seminar or workshop ➜ “Looks like we’re the enthusiastic ones then!”
- Break between sessions at a conference ➜ “Good so far? Or ready to sneak out early?”
- Flight delayed ➜ “Could be worse — at least there’s coffee!”
- Waiting for the rain to stop before walking to your car. ➜ “Of course it starts just when you want to leave, eh?”
- Waiting in a queue for something ➜ “Should’ve brought a chair for this queue!”
- Stuck on a delayed train ➜ “At this stage, I could’ve walked into town!”
Small talk isn’t a waste of time. Even if it feels awkward at first, it helps you build trust, lighten the mood, and connect with people in a simple, human way. This can be invaluable in business and help you network and build bridges with other people. This could even lead to career progression, collaboration, and opportunities.
So next time you’re waiting around, standing in line, or stuck in a boring lift, try a friendly comment or tease. It might feel strange initially, but that’s how real language learning happens outside the classroom. Please give it a go.
Image by Mircea Iancu from Pixabay
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