(This posting includes a handout which you are welcome to use with your students.)
Imagine that you are at a party and standing next to either Curt of Mari. You try to start a conversation with him or her:
You: How was your day?
Curt: Fine.
You: How was your day?
Mari: Fine. I heard a really interesting story at work.
Which one will you be more motivated to continue to talk to: Curt of Mari?
Let’s say you are a student and arrive to your night class about 10 minutes early. You sit next to either Luis or Jay and decide to try to start a conversation.
You: How was your day?
Luis: It was good. But I’m ready to start the weekend. I’ve got some great plans.
You: How was your day?
Jay: OK.
Which one seems like they will be more fun to have a conversation with: Luis or Jay?
Finally, imagine that you are sitting on an airplane.
You: Where are you flying to today?
Passenger 1: Home.
You: Where are you flying to today?
Passenger 2: I’m going to Vancouver. How about you?
Which passenger will be more likely to have a conversation with you? Passenger 1 or 2?
I’ve had many students like Curt (“Fine.”), Jay (“OK”) and Passenger 1 (Home) who tell me that they wish they could have more chances to practice their English beyond their ESL lessons. Opportunities do arise when they are standing in lines, sitting in waiting rooms or at bus stops, in a cafeteria, at a club event or when they are in situations like those above, at a party, early to class, or as a passenger, etc. They just need the conversation technique to take advantage of these occasions. Mari, Luis and Passenger 2 all have it; it’s called using small talk.
