Small talk that keeps going
How to start a conversation, keep it alive, and end it politely.
12 minutes · A free lesson from Everyday conversation
Small talk is not about information; it is about being friendly. The secret is simple: answer, add a detail, then ask a question back.
A: Busy day?
✗ B: Yes.
✓ B: Yes, a bit — I had three meetings back to back, so I'm glad it's Friday. How about you, anything planned for the weekend?
Useful phrases
Starting
- Lovely weather today, isn't it?
- How's your week going?
- Have you been here before?
Showing interest
- Oh really? How come?
- That sounds great.
- What was that like?
Ending politely
- Anyway, I'd better get going.
- It was nice talking to you.
- See you around!
Listen: two neighbours chatting
Sign in to play the recording. The transcript:
- Amir: Morning! Lovely weather today, isn't it?
- Sarah: It really is. I was starting to think the rain would never stop.
- Amir: Me too. Are you doing anything nice this weekend?
- Sarah: My sister's visiting, so we're planning a picnic if it stays dry. How about you?
- Amir: Nothing special. I might finally fix my bike. Anyway, I'd better get going. Enjoy the picnic!
Lesson quiz
Check what you have learned. Choose an answer to see whether it is right, and why.
Quick check: What keeps small talk going?
- Answer in one word
- Answer, add a detail, then ask a question back
- Talk only about yourself
Show the answer
B: Answer, add a detail, then ask a question back — Small talk is about being friendly, not about information.
Quick check: Someone asks “Busy day?” Which reply keeps the conversation going?
- “Yes, a bit — three meetings back to back. How about you?”
- “Yes.”
- “Why do you ask?”
Show the answer
A: “Yes, a bit — three meetings back to back. How about you?” — A detail and a question back give the other person something to answer.
Quick check: Which phrase ends a conversation politely?
- “Stop talking now.”
- “How come?”
- “Anyway, I'd better get going.”
Show the answer
C: “Anyway, I'd better get going.” — It was nice talking to you and See you around! work too.