Rhetorics 1 – Small Talk (discussions in groups of 3)

1)      Think about 3 informal topics you would like to discuss with other people:

a.       …………………

b.       …………………

c.       …………………

2)      AUDIENCE - Think about the group of people you are going to meet – are the topics suitable
for this particular group of people? (consider age, education, situation). Would you change any of
the topics or add a new one?


3)      Is there a topic that might be sensitive for someone from the group? (sometimes must be
reconsidered on the spot) If your topics are staying, think about those you should probably avoid.
Why some controversial topics can be discussed in particular groups while in others it is
inappropriate? Is it a good idea to start talking about serious topics with a group of people you
do not know very well?


4)      Each of you will try to engage others in a small talk. You have approximately 30 seconds to
prepare. Engage in the conversation (each one for about a minute). Listen to your colleagues and,
if possible, react either in your speech, or/AND in your gestures, facial expression, little
agreeing or disagreeing sounds. Show you are ACTIVELY LISTENING!!! If the topic is successful, you
can go on for a longer time, if not, change the topic.


Try to think about the general structure: Think in terms of a well written paragraph. Although
writing is not the same as speaking, there are some common characteristics relating impromptu
speaking and well written paragraphs. A well written paragraph contains:

·         An Introduction

·         A Main Idea or Point

·         Supporting Evidence / Examples

·         Conclusion

5)      Choose which topics are appropriate for small talk and which are not (WHY?):

·         The latest films

·         The One True Path to Eternal Life

·         The local basketball team

·         Cars

·         A product you would like to sell to everyone

·         The Death Penalty

·         Your home town

·         How much you make

·         Your last holiday

·         Your favourite movie-star

·         The correct political party

·         The weather

·         Gardening

·         Your health problems

·         Your family


6) create a new group – exercise for quick reactions, after two speeches done by each member CHANGE
GROUPS to meet new people (if time).

Small Talk - Socially Mixing

Play this game quickly in small groups. Throw one die to move forward from one subject to the next.
When you get to the end, return to the beginning to start again. You have thirty seconds to begin
making a comment about the suggested subject. If you cannot, you lose your turn!
  * Your best friend
  * The last film you saw
  * Pets
  * Rock and roll
  * A magazine
  * Learning a language
  * Playing tennis
  * Your current job
  * An interesting excursion nearby
  * The Internet
  * Marilyn Monroe
  * Keeping healthy
  * Human cloning
  * Your favorite food
  * Finding a job in your country
  * The last book you read
  * Your worst holiday
  * Something you've never done, but would like to do
  * Teachers - what you like
  * Teachers - what you don't like

Source: http://esl.about.com/od/conversationlessonplans/a/lesson_smtalk.htm