Small talk is more challenging for some
Small talk might be even more challenging for some English language learners who don’t feel confident expressing themselves in English, international students for whom small talk is a new concept, and neurodiverse students who find it overwhelming, confusing, or unnecessary. As appropriate:
- Suggest that students think in advance of and practice go-to small talk topics, to diminish pressure they feel in the moment, e.g. Have you heard Romy’s new album? Do you think Portugal will win the World Cup?
- Get students present and relaxed with each other by doing a warm-up that doesn’t require talking, like the Mirror Game:
- Divide students into pairs. One person in each pair will lead; the other will follow.
- Leader and follower sit facing each other, and the leader begins large, slow movements that the follower imitates, as if the leader is their own reflection in a mirror.
- After a minute or two, switch.
- Indicate that while small talk isn’t easy for everyone, it’s something we can all learn to do and it’s an important social skill. We don’t have to speak perfectly, sound brilliant, or launch into a long conversation to develop rapport or express interest. It can help to focus less on our hesitations and more on how connecting may benefit the energy in the class.
Additional resources
- Laugh as Mr. Data from Star Trek “[attempts] to fill a silent moment with non-relevant conversation,” YouTube (3 min., video)
- Some advice on how to deal if you hate small talk, YouTube (6 min., video)