ClickCease

Articles

10 Small Talk Topics To Hone Conversational English Skills

The best way to learn to speak English and apply what you learn in an IELTS course in Singapore is to talk to native speakers or those who speak it fluently. So, make small talk at every opportunity you get to hone your English. That way, you’ll get the hang of speaking the language and be able to learn from others.

Holding conversations in English can also help you avoid awkward silences whenever you’re in a crowd. It can also be an excellent way to get to know someone, seem friendlier, and build rapport with acquaintances and colleagues.

There are many opportunities to start a conversation with those who speak English. It can be at a party, before a meeting at work starts, or while having lunch with co-workers.

Check out these 10 small talk topics to help enhance your conversational English skills.

1. How’s the weather?

It’s one of the go-to topics if you want to start a conversation with someone you don’t know yet. Most people love to talk or complain about the weather. Indeed, you’ll have lots to talk about.

2. Tell me about yourself.

In a casual conversation, you don’t want to put any pressure on the person you’re talking to. So, make it a point to sound as friendly and interested as possible. Also, allow the person to share only the things they want to discuss. This will be the perfect transition conversation from introducing each other to getting to know the other person better.

3. What do you do for fun?

This is the perfect question to ask to discover if the person you’re talking to has the same interests as you. You can find out whether they also like watching K-Drama, love reading books, or travel to places just like you! Besides, conversing about something that interests you makes the conversation go smoothly, allowing you to practice what you have learnt!

4. What’s your favourite food?

You can also ask which restaurants they prefer to know the hidden gems, which is quite helpful if you’re new or it’s your first time visiting a particular town or city.

5. What was the highlight of your day/week/weekend?

It’s a fantastic way to catch up with a friend or colleague after a long weekend. You’ll surely discover something exciting or unusual, depending on the person you’re talking to.

6. Where are you originally from?

This is a good follow-up question if you’ve learned a thing or two about the person you’re having a conversation with. This is also a great conversation starter if you’re travelling abroad or attending an international conference.

7. What do you think about (your favourite celebrity/movie/car brand or model/anything you’re interested in)?

Before asking this question, you need to be open-minded as the other person might have a different opinion than yours. The point of this question is that you want them to share their views about a particular subject.

8. What’s your dream travel destination?

Almost everyone you’ll meet loves travelling. This is why it’s an excellent question to ask if you want to know the best places to visit. You’ll also find unique stories about different destinations and why people love them.

9. How did you get into your profession?

You’ll find out whether it was their dream job, or they felt they didn’t have other choices.

10. Where did you get it/them (referring to shoes, clothes, books, and other personal belongings that interest you, too)?

Be sure to start the conversation by complimenting the other person. For instance, you could say, “You look great in those shoes. Where’d you get them?” Whether you’re actually planning to buy the same items or not, this question is a wonderful way to start a conversation on a positive note.

Conclusion

Choose the question to ask the person you want to start a conversation with carefully. You want your talk to be casual, engaging, and informative. Also, keep in mind that the point of all this is to practice what you have learnt – so be patient with yourself and have fun with it!

English Explorer offers the best IELTS classes in Singapore that will help improve your English language skills. Talk to us today if you’re interested in sharpening your English language skills, and we can help you in your journey to obtaining an IELTS certificate!

Share:

Related Posts