Want to Become a Pro at Conversations in English?

Learn to Make More Interesting Small Talk

What’s the main reason you’re learning English? If you’re like most of my students, you want to
speak better English, especially when interacting with native speakers. You want to feel more
confident and sound more fluent in conversations in English, whether that’s at work, at school,
or in your everyday life. In short, you want to become a better conversationalist!

In order to do so, you need to understand how to make small talk. Small talk describes the short
conversations you have with others when you don’t know them very well or don’t have time for a
longer, more in-depth conversation. Small talk happens when you run into an acquaintance at an
event or in the workplace, or chat with someone you’ve just met inside a store or on a bus.

Making small talk is a skill that takes practice, even for native speakers!

This guide includes my number one secret to being an expert at small talk, as well as 17
interesting, neutral conversation topics that work with just about anyone in any situation. I also
provide several examples of questions you can ask to get a conversation going for each topic.
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My Secret to Becoming a Great Conversationalist

Want to know the biggest secret to becoming a great conversationalist? It’s not learning to talk
at length on more and more topics, or improving your pronunciation so that you don’t ever make
any mistakes, or using only phrasal verbs and slang. It’s so simple you might be surprised:

Ask More Questions!

Why is this? In conversations, the person who asks the most questions is the person in charge of
the conversation. By asking questions, you do not need to be thinking about what you are going
to say. Instead, you are listening to what the other person has to say and showing your interest
in him or her. This is important for good small talk, and for making connections with others!

In addition, a great conversationalist keeps the conversation going! The person you are talking
to might be shy or not that chatty, and that’s okay. Don’t worry - you can do something about it!

The best way to engage in small talk is

to continue to ask the other person about him- or herself.

So simple, right? But most people forget how important this is. It takes the pressure off
expressing yourself in flawless language, and helps you learn so much more about the person.

For this reason, even if you don’t have much to say about a topic, you can ask the person several
questions to keep them talking. People usually love talking about themselves, especially about
their interests, passions, hobbies, and unique expertise. If you ask them for suggestions, they will
likely be more than happy to share their knowledge.

Most of the topics below include an observation followed by a question. This is the best way to
get people talking about themselves. If you prepare at least five questions on these topics, you’ll
be ready to make more interesting small talk the next time you speak English.

a free guide for non-native English speakers by Kim from https://englishwithkim.com

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Neutral Topics Focused on Daily Activities

Recent weather over the past few days

Weather is the most common topic for small talk – and it’s usually boring. Make talking about the
weather more interesting by asking a question related to how it affects their habits and routines.

ê It’s been so warm out lately! Have you spent any time outside recently?
ê The rain has been nonstop this week. Are you getting sick of staying indoors?
ê It got cold so quickly. I finally had to break out a heavy jacket. What about you?

Traffic or the daily commute, especially in major cities

Everyone has to get around one way or another, and usually we have an opinion about it!

ê There was so much traffic today on my way to work. I took I-5, but there has to be a
better way. How did you get here?
ê Today on my way to school there was an accident involving a truck carrying lots of
oranges, and they were all over the road! Have you ever seen something like that?
ê My commute was so short today that I didn’t get to finish my podcast! What do you like
to listen to in the car/on the train?
ê The Red Line was super slow today. So frustrating! Did that affect you too?

Neutral Topics Based on Entertainment

Funny or unusual news shared on social media

You can come prepared with something unusual you read about or saw on social media.

ê Did you hear about…?

ê Have you seen that article about….?
ê Have you heard anything about…?
ê I read the craziest thing on Facebook yesterday… Did you happen to see it?

a free guide for non-native English speakers by Kim from https://englishwithkim.com

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Recent viral YouTube or Facebook videos, especially the ones with animals

Everyone watches funny, interesting, or shocking videos on YouTube or Facebook, so if you have
seen something amusing or inspiring, you can use that as a conversation starter.

ê Did you see that video of the raccoon stealing a donut?

ê I saw the cutest video the other day. It was….
ê What did you think of that video about…? Have you seen it?

Local sporting events, especially if the team is having a good season

Talking about local teams can be a good topic of conversation with some classmates or
coworkers, especially if the team is having a good season. Remember that in some cities there are
big rivalries between sports teams, so be careful when expressing controversial preferences!

ê I saw that the Celtics had a great game last night. Did you watch it?
ê Last night’s baseball game went into overtime. I couldn’t stay awake any longer! How’d
it turn out?
ê I don’t know much about American football. Do you have a favorite team? How are they
doing this year?

Major television/entertainment events

Every few months, there are major television or entertainment events which are watched by
many people, like the Super Bowl, the Oscars, the Grammys, the Emmys, and the American Music
Awards. These are convenient conversation topics if they have happened recently, as even
people who have not watched them probably know something about the results.

ê Did you watch the Grammys this year? What’d you think?
ê I loved the Super Bowl Halftime show this year. ______________ was awesome! Do you
think it was as good as last year’s?
ê I can’t believe ____________ won the Oscar! I thought ____________ was going to win. What
about you?

a free guide for non-native English speakers by Kim from https://englishwithkim.com

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Popular television programs and recent movies, especially blockbusters

While not everyone watches a lot of television or goes to the movies, it is usually a good neutral
conversation topic. Try to ask questions about current series that are very popular, season and
series finales, movies that have recently been released, or whatever is being watched on Netflix.

ê Have you been watching Game of Thrones? What’d you think about the latest episode?
ê Have you seen ________ yet? Do you recommend it?
ê Do you plan to see _________?
ê I started watching ________ on Netflix. Is there anything else I should watch?
ê What shows have you gotten into this season?

Local tourist attractions

If you are new to the area (or even if you aren’t!), ask the person you are talking to questions
about places to visit. People love to give recommendations about their hometown or city.

ê Have you been to the beach this summer? How was it?
ê I was thinking of going for a walk/for a hike this weekend. Any suggestions in the area?
ê I haven’t been to the Museum of Fine Arts recently. Have you? Did you like the latest
exhibition?

Neutral Topics Based on Vacations and Future Plans

Weekend plans, if it’s Thursday or Friday

Ask people about their upcoming plans for the weekend on Thursday or Friday to show interest
in their lives. That way, they can answer with as much detail as they would like.

ê Any special plans for the weekend?

ê What are you up to this weekend?

Upcoming holiday plans, if a long weekend or major holiday is approaching

a free guide for non-native English speakers by Kim from https://englishwithkim.com

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Everyone looks forward to long weekends in order to take advantage of the extra day off to go on
a short trip or do something special, even if that is sleeping in, so it’s a good topic of conversation!

ê I’m looking forward to Labor Day! What about you?

ê Any special plans for the long weekend?
ê Going anywhere for the holiday?

Upcoming vacation plans, if it is a high travel season like summer

Many people take vacation during the summer, and people with kids often take trips during
school vacations. Asking questions about upcoming travel plans gets the other person talking.

ê Are you planning on taking any trips this summer?

ê Any vacation plans coming up?
ê What are your kids up to during their school vacation?

Recent vacations, if you know they have recently come back from one

Similarly, if your friend, acquaintance, classmate, or colleague has recently come back from a trip,
you can ask questions about their travels and ask to see pictures.

ê How was your trip?

ê How was Europe?
ê Did you have a good time?
ê You just got back from California, right? Did you take any pictures?
ê I saw the pictures of your trip to ___________ on Facebook/Instagram! How was it?

Giving Compliments and Asking Expert Advice

Compliments on a hairstyle or haircut

If you like how the other person has styled his or her hair, you can give him or her a compliment
and ask them for advice on how to get the same style or where to get your own hair styled.

ê Did you get your hair cut? It looks great!

a free guide for non-native English speakers by Kim from https://englishwithkim.com

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ê I love your new hairstyle. How did you do that?
ê I’ve always wanted to learn how to braid my hair like that. Any advice?
ê I love your new haircut. Where did you get it done?

Compliments on an article of clothing, accessory, or piece of jewelry

Most people appreciate hearing compliments about their personal style, both men and women!
You can follow up a compliment with another question.

ê I love your scarf! Where did you find that?

ê My husband has been looking for a tie like that. Where’d you get it?
ê I need a new spring jacket. I love yours. Where did you buy it?
ê Those earrings are so cool. Who makes them?

Questions about where to buy specialty items that you know the other person is
interested in, such as gourmet teas, cool shoes, or jewelry

If you already know the other person, you have probably noticed that he or she drinks a lot of tea,
always goes to a nearby coffee shop, wears really interesting rings, or has colorful shoes. This
means they probably have opinions on these things and can give good recommendations.

ê I noticed you really like tea. Where can I get some good tea?
ê Have you found a good coffee shop around the office? I would like a good latte.
ê I love your shoes; they’re so unique. Where can I get some like that?
ê You always have the coolest necklaces. Where do you shop?

Food, especially if you somewhere where food is served or it is mealtime

Most people love talking about food – or the special diets they are trying. If you are in or near a
place where food is being served, this is an easy and relevant topic to bring up.

ê I love the sandwiches from this restaurant. Which one is your favorite?
ê That salad looks delicious. What’s in it?
ê I’ve been craving a red velvet cupcake. What’s your favorite flavor?

a free guide for non-native English speakers by Kim from https://englishwithkim.com

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Cool apps or useful websites, especially if they help you do something better

With new apps and technology coming out every day, the person you are talking to is probably
using interesting apps and websites to do work, manage his or her daily life, or interact with
friends and family. If you need any suggestions, you can ask for some tech advice.

ê I’ve been looking for a good app for to-do lists. What do you use?
ê I’ve heard that Evernote is so helpful for staying organized. Have you tried it?
ê I can’t keep up with all the new apps. What are you using these days?
ê I love this new app I downloaded, _________. Do you have any other suggestions?

Ask More Questions and Keep the Conversation Going

Remember the biggest secret to being a great conversationalist: ask more questions! Here is an
example conversation where the Great Conversationalist starts with a compliment, and then
keeps asking more questions until the Other Person starts sharing lots of interesting, helpful
information.

Great Conversationalist: “I like those shoes you are wearing.”

Other Person: “Thanks!”
Great Conversationalist: “Where did you get them? I am looking for some cute shoes.”
Other Person: “I actually bought them online.”
Great Conversationalist: “That’s so much easier. Do you have a good website that you use?”
Other Person: “Yes, I really like Zappos.”
Great Conversationalist: “But how did you manage to find these shoes?”
Other Person: “Well, Zappos lets you decide what color shoes you want. You can also decide
what kind of heel you want. And then, you can search by popularity….”

Sometimes it can take a little work to get the other person talking, but by showing genuine
interest and asking more questions you can encourage him or her to keep talking and sharing!

I hope this guide helps you feel more excited about making small talk in English!
Get out there and practice! You’ll do great J
a free guide for non-native English speakers by Kim from https://englishwithkim.com