In the waiting room
In the waiting room
Watch Dev from India and Ana from Brazil as they practise small talk in the waiting room at the doctor's surgery. The players are trying to think of some topics of conversation. What topics would you use to make small talk with people you don't know?
After you have watched the video, there are some activities to complete and then finally, there's a quiz to check what you remember!
Making small talk
The following activities will help you, if you are trying to make small talk in the UK.
Quiz
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Your turn
The players didn't do very well in this episode. What mistakes did they make?
Here are some more questions for you to answer in the comments section:
Would you talk or stay quiet in Dev's situation? Would you ask a person's name?
Would you ask if someone is married?
The weather is often used for small talk in the UK. What topics are used for small talk in your country?
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Comments
28/08/2018
points
Well, I would not ask him why he would be very extroverted because she is wrong.
No, because the question is very personal for the other person.
sports like football or basketball
28/08/2018 18:09
Manchester United
6
Well, I would not ask him why he would be very extroverted because she is wrong.
No, because the question is very personal for the other person.
sports like football or basketball
28/08/2018
points
*I'd rather stay silent, I am not very good talking with new people, although if someone me starts talking I continued the conversation
*I do not think that it is very suitable and comfortable to talk about whether the person is married or unmarried
28/08/2018 18:07
Chelsea
8
*I'd rather stay silent, I am not very good talking with new people, although if someone me starts talking I continued the conversation
*I do not think that it is very suitable and comfortable to talk about whether the person is married or unmarried
28/08/2018
points
In my opinion I would try to start a conversation with someone who I don't know but I don't ask the person's name because it would take like a personal question even you don't want to show in that way.
For other way, I would not ask to someone a personalquestion like if she is married, because as happened in the video, it would take it like a rude question.
The weather it is a common question in Mexico such as the kind of music you like, your favorite subject or something like that.
28/08/2018 18:07
Chelsea
7
In my opinion I would try to start a conversation with someone who I don't know but I don't ask the person's name because it would take like a personal question even you don't want to show in that way.
For other way, I would not ask to someone a personalquestion like if she is married, because as happened in the video, it would take it like a rude question.
The weather it is a common question in Mexico such as the kind of music you like, your favorite subject or something like that.
28/08/2018
points
I would not remain silent I would find another topic that was not offensive to Ana.
I would not ask if he is married maybe if the conversation would get longer. In my country, talk about any topic
28/08/2018 18:04
AFC Bournemouth
5
I would not remain silent I would find another topic that was not offensive to Ana.
I would not ask if he is married maybe if the conversation would get longer. In my country, talk about any topic
28/08/2018
points
1-no because it would be very uncomfortable. The best thing to do is start by asking "you like soccer"
2-no because that is very personal
3-they talk about football, food and news
28/08/2018 18:04
Manchester United
6
1-no because it would be very uncomfortable. The best thing to do is start by asking "you like soccer"
2-no because that is very personal
3-they talk about football, food and news
28/08/2018
points
Well, from my point of view for making small talk be necessary: do not personal question, trying break the ice with topics comun (example:Holiday, favorite sport, etc.) and making funny
28/08/2018 18:04
Wolverhampton Wanderers
6
Well, from my point of view for making small talk be necessary: do not personal question, trying break the ice with topics comun (example:Holiday, favorite sport, etc.) and making funny
28/08/2018
points
In my case, if I would ask someone else's name but after having broken the ice, since initiating a conversation is very rare.
I would not ask if he is married, because it is not something that interests me, because it is a personal issue, even if the talk does not bother me.
In my country, for what I have lived, very normal questions are what kind of music you like, or what your hobbies are.
28/08/2018 18:01
Wolverhampton Wanderers
7
In my case, if I would ask someone else's name but after having broken the ice, since initiating a conversation is very rare.
I would not ask if he is married, because it is not something that interests me, because it is a personal issue, even if the talk does not bother me.
In my country, for what I have lived, very normal questions are what kind of music you like, or what your hobbies are.
28/08/2018
points
Yes because there's nothing wrong.
Only if it's a person that I know.
Football, novels and news.
In my opinion this video is great!
I like this lesson so much.
28/08/2018 17:59
Chelsea
5
Yes because there's nothing wrong.
Only if it's a person that I know.
Football, novels and news.
In my opinion this video is great!
I like this lesson so much.
28/08/2018
points
I believe that in the place of Dev, it would have stayed quiet to not bother people, and try to perform another activity.I would ask the person's name to be polite or need to know something important. I would not ask their marital status because it is something personal. A possible question would be sports. especially football, this starts a good conversation
28/08/2018 17:59
Wolverhampton Wanderers
7
I believe that in the place of Dev, it would have stayed quiet to not bother people, and try to perform another activity.I would ask the person's name to be polite or need to know something important. I would not ask their marital status because it is something personal. A possible question would be sports. especially football, this starts a good conversation
28/08/2018
points
-I prefered talk with the other person before I sit sill.
-I would not ask about personal questions, becacuse is very private for the other person.
-Talk about topics like food, Football and movies, are good topics.
28/08/2018 17:56
Arsenal
7
-I prefered talk with the other person before I sit sill.
-I would not ask about personal questions, becacuse is very private for the other person.
-Talk about topics like food, Football and movies, are good topics.
28/08/2018
points
*in the dev's situation, I would stay quiet and don't ask the person's name.
*I would not ask personal information about the person that i try to talk.
*the topics tha we dialogue in small talk probably are the weather, the music that he or she listen, the likes that the person have,if she or he read a book,etc
28/08/2018 17:55
Manchester United
7
*in the dev's situation, I would stay quiet and don't ask the person's name.
*I would not ask personal information about the person that i try to talk.
*the topics tha we dialogue in small talk probably are the weather, the music that he or she listen, the likes that the person have,if she or he read a book,etc
28/08/2018
points
no, because it would be disrespectful
yes, why not, it would be fun...
i think that of sports and school.
28/08/2018 17:54
West Ham United
5
no, because it would be disrespectful
yes, why not, it would be fun...
i think that of sports and school.
28/08/2018
points
I like this lesson, i´m very happy whit the results.
28/08/2018 17:52
Chelsea
7
I like this lesson, i´m very happy whit the results.
28/08/2018
points
The previous lesson it was interesante and entertaining. He likes this so much
28/08/2018 17:51
Liverpool
7
The previous lesson it was interesante and entertaining. He likes this so much
28/08/2018
points
It's a very interesting topic
28/08/2018 17:49
Chelsea
8
It's a very interesting topic
28/08/2018
points
the best class
28/08/2018 17:46
Manchester City
6
the best class
28/08/2018
points
GREAT CLASS!
28/08/2018 17:46
Manchester United
5
GREAT CLASS!
28/08/2018
points
Hi.
In personally I had never thought about how to start a conversation, it seems a good activity because it is important to know.
28/08/2018 17:43
Wolverhampton Wanderers
7
Hi.
In personally I had never thought about how to start a conversation, it seems a good activity because it is important to know.
28/08/2018
points
Very very funny, good activity, and very good tips for a conversation with a strange.
28/08/2018 17:43
Arsenal
6
Very very funny, good activity, and very good tips for a conversation with a strange.
28/08/2018
points
this activity was very entertaining, fun and above all useful.
28/08/2018 17:41
Manchester United
7
this activity was very entertaining, fun and above all useful.
28/08/2018
points
Yes
28/08/2018 17:39
Chelsea
7
Yes
28/08/2018
points
this video is more hopeful to learn a start a small talk and is funny c:
28/08/2018 17:38
Manchester United
7
this video is more hopeful to learn a start a small talk and is funny c:
28/08/2018
points
The Game.
28/08/2018 17:37
Manchester United
7
The Game.
14/05/2018
points
my student ,his name is MARCELLINO from VIETNAM.He likes this lesson so much.
14/05/2018 04:48
Manchester United
420
my student ,his name is MARCELLINO from VIETNAM.He likes this lesson so much.
14/05/2018
points
Say hello to Marcellino from the Premier Skills Team!!!
Rich - The Premier Skills English Team
14/05/2018 08:14
Liverpool
594
Say hello to Marcellino from the Premier Skills Team!!!
Rich - The Premier Skills English Team
28/08/2017
points
In my humble opionion I would not ask any person about his name in the first and small conversation. Furthermore, I would not ask people about about their personal life such as mariage divorce and what they like or don't like.
In our country we usually talk about weather to beak the ice especialy when we talk to people that we don't know.
28/08/2017 15:28
Liverpool
325
In my humble opionion I would not ask any person about his name in the first and small conversation. Furthermore, I would not ask people about about their personal life such as mariage divorce and what they like or don't like.
In our country we usually talk about weather to beak the ice especialy when we talk to people that we don't know.
17/05/2017
points
I wouldn't ask a too personal at the first time.
The weather is often too in Japan.
17/05/2017 15:52
Leicester City
66
I wouldn't ask a too personal at the first time.
The weather is often too in Japan.
05/08/2016
points
If you are well-educaded you should keep small talk.
First i start with safe topics such as holidays, TV, weather or sport.
The phrase " How are you?" is greeting in Britain, but in Russia it means that we really want to find out the answer. Diferent countries - diferent culture.
05/08/2016 12:05
Arsenal
243
If you are well-educaded you should keep small talk.
First i start with safe topics such as holidays, TV, weather or sport.
The phrase " How are you?" is greeting in Britain, but in Russia it means that we really want to find out the answer. Diferent countries - diferent culture.
04/08/2016
points
Weather is a common thing in small talks. People speak about politics, travels. In the hospital some old men and women speak about their health and results of treatments. In the train people speak about everything. As for me I prefer to read a book in the train or watch the window. Small talks is a good way to be polite. Why not to use for small talks. It is not a problem for me....
04/08/2016 18:57
Arsenal
243
Weather is a common thing in small talks. People speak about politics, travels. In the hospital some old men and women speak about their health and results of treatments. In the train people speak about everything. As for me I prefer to read a book in the train or watch the window. Small talks is a good way to be polite. Why not to use for small talks. It is not a problem for me....
22/06/2016
points
I do it for you
22/06/2016 16:10
Manchester City
1734
I do it for you
04/08/2016
points
what? small talks?
04/08/2016 18:58
Arsenal
243
what? small talks?
04/08/2016
points
I'm not sure what the comment meant. Don't forget, 'small talk' is uncountable - you can't have a small talk with someone - that would be a short conversation. This video is about the uncountable 'small talk' and the safe topics of conversation for when you meet someone new.
Jack
The Premier Skills English team
04/08/2016 19:21
Arsenal
560
I'm not sure what the comment meant. Don't forget, 'small talk' is uncountable - you can't have a small talk with someone - that would be a short conversation. This video is about the uncountable 'small talk' and the safe topics of conversation for when you meet someone new.
Jack
The Premier Skills English team
05/08/2016
points
Thank you Jack. My comment was for englishman. I 've had two mistakes. First I wanted to sent a message to englishman. And the second you've just correct. I don't undestand clearly the expression "safe topics"???
05/08/2016 08:44
Arsenal
243
Thank you Jack. My comment was for englishman. I 've had two mistakes. First I wanted to sent a message to englishman. And the second you've just correct. I don't undestand clearly the expression "safe topics"???
22/06/2016
points
that's it
22/06/2016 16:09
Manchester City
1734
that's it
05/06/2016
points
Social issues are used for small talk in my country
05/06/2016 18:35
Manchester United
4768
Social issues are used for small talk in my country
05/06/2016
points
I wouldn't ask isfor someone is married
05/06/2016 00:43
Manchester United
4768
I wouldn't ask isfor someone is married
05/06/2016
points
I would stay quiet
05/06/2016 00:40
Manchester United
4768
I would stay quiet
31/03/2016
points
Yes i would.
31/03/2016 21:06
Liverpool
3705
Yes i would.
31/03/2016
points
I would like to stay to quite.
31/03/2016 21:06
Liverpool
3705
I would like to stay to quite.
28/02/2016
points
It is state dependent.
No,I wouldn't.
28/02/2016 23:50
Leicester City
1761
It is state dependent.
No,I wouldn't.
25/01/2016
points
I would not ask a person's name and I would not ask to someone is married.
25/01/2016 10:05
Arsenal
358
I would not ask a person's name and I would not ask to someone is married.
20/11/2015
points
Topics for small talk in our country are weather, level of service (long queues, piles of documents to complete and poor customer care) and politics.
20/11/2015 15:18
Arsenal
2453
Topics for small talk in our country are weather, level of service (long queues, piles of documents to complete and poor customer care) and politics.
20/11/2015
points
I usually break the ice by making a comment about something aloud without asking direct questions to a person sitting next to me. If the person reacts, then I try to continue our small talk. If not, I'd rather stay quiet.
20/11/2015 15:13
Arsenal
2453
I usually break the ice by making a comment about something aloud without asking direct questions to a person sitting next to me. If the person reacts, then I try to continue our small talk. If not, I'd rather stay quiet.
14/11/2015
points
I would stay quiet,it's not easy for me in small talk
14/11/2015 18:02
Arsenal
2320
I would stay quiet,it's not easy for me in small talk
12/11/2015
points
Football between men and little gossips about the day to day life. Weather is also one natural topic when old men and women meet.
12/11/2015 17:27
Manchester City
3988
Football between men and little gossips about the day to day life. Weather is also one natural topic when old men and women meet.
02/11/2015
points
I would stay quiet until someone broke the ice. yes, I would ask name.I wouldn't about one's marital status. In our country after introduction you can talk almost anything.
02/11/2015 18:41
Manchester United
28
I would stay quiet until someone broke the ice. yes, I would ask name.I wouldn't about one's marital status. In our country after introduction you can talk almost anything.
27/11/2015
points
You look good at English, thanks for expression "to break the ice"
27/11/2015 16:37
Arsenal
2320
You look good at English, thanks for expression "to break the ice"
02/11/2015
points
Welcome to Premier Skills English bashiruddin ahmed! Nice use of the expression 'to break the ice'! Rich - The Premier Skills English Team
02/11/2015 21:37
Liverpool
594
Welcome to Premier Skills English bashiruddin ahmed! Nice use of the expression 'to break the ice'! Rich - The Premier Skills English Team
31/10/2015
points
I would not be delighted if someone I don't know asked me personal questions. Small talk topics in my country are tv shows, concerts, tourists vacations etc.
31/10/2015 22:02
Arsenal
3557
I would not be delighted if someone I don't know asked me personal questions. Small talk topics in my country are tv shows, concerts, tourists vacations etc.
22/09/2015
points
I'd talk but showing I'm uncomfortable of the personal topics , I wouldn't ask a persons name or status to break the ice ,restaurants is the on top la small talk list in my country
22/09/2015 08:58
Chelsea
1814
I'd talk but showing I'm uncomfortable of the personal topics , I wouldn't ask a persons name or status to break the ice ,restaurants is the on top la small talk list in my country