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small
talk
“We were just making small
talk.” This saying means the
conversation was easy and light.
With small talk, you’re not shar-
ing your deepest, darkest secrets,
but it’s still an important part
of everyday conversation. Small
talk says that I want to know you
better, that I care about you, and
that what you say matters.
25 things to say
after “hi”
Imagine that you want to start a conversation with the girl waiting next
to you at the city bus stop, but you don’t know what to say. After saying
hi, try one of these questions to get the talk going.
1. I’m (your name). What’s your name?
2. How’s it going? 3. What school do you go to?
4. I’m in fifth grade. What grade are you in? 5. Do you take
this bus often? 6. Do you ever bring an MP3 player to listen to?
7. Want to play a game while we wait? 8. Have you seen (the latest
movie)? 9. I wish I had brought my book. Do you like to read?
10. Can you believe how (hot/rainy/cold) it is? 11. I thought I’d be
late. Have you been here long? 12. So, what do you like to do when
you’re not waiting for buses? 13. Tonight (a TV show) is on. Do you
ever watch that? 14. Would you like a piece of gum? 15. I have a ton
of homework. Does your teacher assign a lot of work? 16. I love your
(something she’s wearing). Is it your favorite color? 17. Do you know
what time it is? 18. I can’t wait for the weekend. I’m (give a detail
about your plans). How about you? 19. I’m excited to get home to
my new puppy. Do you have pets? 20. Have you lived here long?
21. I love your hair. Did you braid it yourself? 22. Want to sit together?
23. Do you think the bus will be late today? 24. Do you ride the
school bus, too? 25. Where are you going today?