LearnHub

"Confident Small Talk Conversations"

When you're going out do you find it difficult to talk to strangers? If you are with friends you don't know that well, do you know what you are going to talk about?

Some people think that small talk is not important but I think that being good at small talk makes you confident socially. And don't forget that small talk skills can help you to develop relationships with people easier and quicker. Furthermore, it paves the way for other topics of conversation.

The following 21 parts will give you various options how you can start different conversations by feeling confident at any time.

1. Starting a conversation with strangers

Excuse me, do you speak English?

Excuse me. May I ask you a question:

Excuse me, is this seat taken?

Nasty weather, isn't it?

What a slow train it is!

I beg your pardon. Was that your glass/chair?

I am awfully sorry, was that your foot?

You look worried. Is there anything I can do for you?

Has it been raining here like this for long?

It's rather cold/hot/crowded in here, don't you think?

May I invite you for a drink?

Why not have a beer? - Good idea!

Is this your first visit to …..?

Are you here on business or pleasure?

2. At a congress or a conference

Excuse me, where is the conference room?

Are you here for the first time?

So am I.

You look a bit lost. Can I help you?

Nice place. Do you come here often?

I'm from …. Where are you from?

Do you happen to know the guest speaker?

What do you expect from this congress?

Are you here on business?

Can I get you a drink?

May I ask why you are here?

Are you also staying at the Hilton?

Is it comfortable? - Yes, very.

What's the food like?

How long are you staying?

Only for three days.

Here is my card.

We could have dinner together, if you like.

3. Introducing yourself

By the way, my name is ….

Perhaps I should introduce myself.

Jim Moore's the name.

I am from Bonn. Where do you come from?

I am here on a holiday/business trip.

Pleased to meet you.

Happy to make your acquaintance.

I think we've met before.

Do you remember me? We met at Chris Johnson's party last month.

Pleased to meet you.

Glad to meet you, too.

4. Introducing others

Mr Smith, may I introduce you to Mrs Brown?

Tom, I'd like you to meet Sandra.

Sandra, this is Tom.

Claire, I'm not sure if you have met Tom. Tom, this is Claire.

Pleased to meet you.

The pleasure is mine.

5. Ice-breakers

Did you have a good journey?

Had a good journey, I hope.

The train was rather overcrowded.

I hope you had a pleasant flight.

The flight was rather bumpy.

Did you get through the customs okay?

I didn't have any problems.

How was the transfer to the hotel?

We haven't seen each other for ages.

How are your wife and children?

By the way, many thanks for your Christmas greetings.

Thanks for your card when you were on holiday.

Did you find our company straight away?

I didn't have any trouble thanks to your clear instructions.

Let's sit down, shall we?

May I introduce you?

Let's forget the formalities.

I suggest we drop the formalities.

May I offer you something to drink?

Coffee, tea or something else?

I'll have the same as you.

Do you feel like talking business right now?

Shall we have a drop of something to keep the cold out?

6. Be my guest

What are you doing this evening?

I am thinking of having a quiet evening.

Have you got anything planned for tonight?

Would you like to join us for dinner this evening?

Thank you, that sounds very nice.

I would be pleased if you would honour me with your company.

May I invite you to my place tonight?

Would you and your wife like to come over for a glass of wine?

I'd love to; at what time?

Would between eight and half past suit you?

We've invited a few colleagues over for Friday evening. Wouldn't you like to join us, too?

I'd love to, but unfortunately I won't be able to. Our sales manager is coming for the weekend.

I'd love to, but I've got another engagement.

Why don't you bring your colleague along with you?

My wife would like to meet you.

I'm afraid I can't make it tonight.

She'll be very depressed if you turn us down.

She'll be very disappointed if you refuse our invitation.

Thank you very much. I'll look forward to that.

I'm looking forward to meeting your family.

I'm afraid I'll have to say no I need an early night.

7. Feel at home

Please, come on in.

It's good to see you here again.

Do you want to take your coat off?

May I take your coat?

Do sit down.

Have a seat.

Can I offer you a drink?

May I offer you an aperitif?

Would you like a sherry?

Help yourself to some more.

The bar is over there. Please help yourself.

Excuse me, where is the toilet, please?

You've got a cosy flat.

You have a wonderful house.

Would you like me to show you around the house?

What a nice garden you have!

Let's go and sit in the garden.

I'd like to live in the country, too.

May I introduce you to my wife?

I've brought you a little something.

Thank you. You shouldn't have.

My husband has told me a lot about you.

Only good things, I hope.

Make yourself at home.

8. Conversation openers

Did you find us straight away?

I came by taxi.

When did you arrive?

Have you been to Canada before?

How long have you been in Canada?

I've been in Canada for two days.

Do you like your accommodation?

Are you satisfied with your hotel?

Have you adjusted to life here yet?

Yes, everybody here is very helpful.

How has your stay in Canada been so far?

I've been enjoying every single day.

How do you like our town?

The people are all really friendly.

I haven't had time yet to walk around the city.

The ancient city is really marvellous.

How are you finding things in Austria?

It's a bit early to form an opinion.

Are you from here originally?

I'm from Sheffield. I moved here about 15 years ago.

Sheffield? Whereabouts is that?

Dinner is ready. Let's move to the living room.

We can continue our conversation at dinner.

9. Suggesting a toast

Cheers!

To your good health!

I'd like to propose a toast to the conclusion of our contract.

Let's raise our glasses to the future of Europe.

I rise to toast our guests.

I'd like to make a toast to our new colleague.

Ladies and gentlemen, let's celebrate this with a glass of champagne.

Here's to the beautiful bride.

I want to wish the newly wed couple al the best.

Best of luck, you two. And now everybody, bottoms up!

10. Making polite noises

I hadn't expected such a good dinner.

That was really excellent.

You must let me have the recipe.

What a beautiful garden you have!

I must say you certainly know what's what.

I have heard a lot about your stamp collection.

I quite fancy your collection of arms.

That's second to none!

It's out of this world!

I'd like to begin by congratulating Tom on his performance.

Well done!

Full marks!

Not bad at all!

Good for you!

That's a touch of perfection!

11. Leave-taking

Goodness, is it that time already?

I'm afraid I've got to leave now.

I've got a train to catch.

But you've only just arrived.

Such a shame you have to go already.

Well, I mustn't keep you.

I think I should beg going now.

I'm afraid I must be going now.

I don't want to overstay my welcome.

I really can't stay any longer.

You're not thinking of going already?

I'm afraid I must be setting off now.

Do you really have to go already?

Tomorrow is going to be a hard day for me.

It's already late and we've to make an early start tomorrow morning.

It's been a delightful evening.
Thanks so much for the delightful evening.

Thank you ever so much. This has been a most pleasant evening.

Glad you enjoyed it.

Thank you so much for the superb dinner.

Don't mention it. We hope you enjoyed yourself.

I'm sorry you can't stay a bit longer.

It's a pity you can't stay.

We hope to hear from you soon.

I trust we'll see each other again before too long.

You must soon come and see us again.

Can I see you home, perhaps?

May I give you a lift to your hotel?

12. Small talk with people you know

If you aren't expecting anybody, do you mind if I join you?

Hello Tom. I haven't seen you for ages.

How has life been treating you?

How are you these days?

How are you keeping nowadays?

How are we this morning?

Fine, thank you. And you?

It could be worse.

I can't complain.

I have nothing to complain about.

I'm getting on nicely.

I'm feeling great.

I feel on top of the world.

I couldn't feel better.

I don't really want to waste your time with that now.

I hope you're settling in at your new job.

Tell me about your holiday in….

Have you still got your Mercedes?