making+small+talk

we will go to the TAFE Restaurant for dinner together. There may be someone sitting next to you that you don't know. What will you talk about? what are some topics that are not 'safe' to talk about? Are there different 'unsafe conversation topics' in your culture and Austrlian culture? discuss with your partner and make 2 lists

what is small talk?
 * safe topics || unsafe topics ||
 * weather || religion ||
 * || politics ||
 * 1) light informal conversation for social occasions
 * Similar Words: **[|chitchat], [|gab], [|gabfest], [|gossip], [|tittle-tattle], [|chin-wag], [|chin-wagging], [|causerie]


 * Derivational Morphology: **[|chatter], [|piffle], [|palaver], [|prate], [|tittle-tattle], [|twaddle], [|clack], [|maunder], [|prattle], [|blab], [|gibber], [|tattle], [|blabber], [|gabble], [|chew the fat], [|shoot the breeze], [|chat], [|confabulate], [|confab], [|chitchat], [|chaffer], [|natter], [|gossip], [|jaw], [|claver], [|visit]

http://dictionary.kids.net.au/word/small_talk

now practice small talk. How did you keep the conversation going? Did you take turns and share information? How do you feel if someone asks you a lot of questions?

try this web activity http://www.radioaustralia.net.au/bayvut/pdf/lessons/eft/baivo/10.pdf

small talk can also be used as an **ice breaker,** to ease the tension between strangers. Look at this web site for advice on small talk before an interview http://www.careers.unsw.edu.au/careered/jobapplications/interviews/during.aspx

Do you think you can learn small talk? Are some people better at it than others, why? What characteristics do you need to be a good small talker? Have you ever met anyone who talked too much & abused the small talk! Read the following blog link do you think this is too much or too personal? http://www.baggas.com/posts/2004/09/17/hairdressing-small-talk-101/

small talk is not only for social purposes, but it may also be necessary on the job. Nurses and other professionals may need to speak to customers/ patients as they do their job. Below is an outline of the communication process a nurse would use with a patient. Try to role play it with your partner. Greeting Introduction Small talk Explanation of purpose (e.g. taking blood pressure) Seeking consent and giving instructions Leave-taking