Page 43 - Speaking at Length with covers

2 Let’s Chat: Small Talk Practice.

How to Speak at Length

To help initiate and maintain small talk, understand the key strategies below.

1. Initiating Small Talk
a. Use contextual openers
Comment on the surroundings, weather, or shared situation.
Example: “This place is really cozy, isn’t it?”
b. Ask open-ended questions
Avoid yes/no questions to encourage fuller responses.
Example: “What kind of work do you do?”

2. Maintaining Small Talk
a. Apply the F.O.R.D. technique
Talk about:
✓ Family
✓ Occupation
✓ Recreation (hobbies)
✓ Dreams (goals, travel plans)
– Example: “What do you usually do on weekends?”
b. Balance questions and sharing – Avoid sounding like an interviewer.

3. Showing interest
This helps build connection, encourages sharing, and prevents awkward silences.
Examples:
✓ “Really? That’s interesting!”
✓ “No way! Tell me more about that.”
✓ “That sounds fun!”
✓ “How did that go?”
✓ “What happened next?”
✓ “I’d love to hear more about it.”
✓ “That must have been exciting!”
✓ “Wow, that’s impressive.”
✓ “I can imagine that was challenging.”

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