Culture and Small Talk

A very important aspect of conversation is the ability to make 'small talk'. This helps to make people feel more comfortable and helps you get to know them better.

Today's activity comes from Business Spotlight and is based around a video clip from a series on building up Business skills. Being good at socializing and making small talk can be very important in business.

Task:

• Think about the kinds of topics you usually make small talk about. Could you talk about the same things in English? What would you say?
• Now go to: http://www.business-spotlight.de/language-skills/videos/socializing/culture-and-small-talk
  

• Here you will see a video of Bob from Business Spotlight talking about two different styles of socialising and making small talk. He describes them as Peach and Coconut. Watch the video and decide whether you are a Peach or a coconut.

There are more videos you can watch and learn from at: http://www.business-spotlight.de/language-skills/videos


I hope you enjoy these and develop your listening and business skills.

Here are some more Business English Activities.

Related links for teachers:

• The StockNews Game
• Using 'How to' videos
• Advertisement Project
• Multimedia Business Simulation
• Becoming a citizen journalist
• Video conferencing for EFL
• Make your own chat room

Best

Nik Peachey