Small talk often feels harder than the meeting itself. There’s no agenda, the topics change quickly, and it’s where relationships are built. These phrases help with the moments that come up again and again: the start of a call, a coffee break, and a dinner with colleagues from abroad.
The first minutes of a call
- How’s your week going so far?A friendly, natural opener for any call.
- Can you hear me okay?The classic start, and a good way to break the ice.
- Did you have a good weekend?Use this on a Monday or Tuesday call.
- Shall we make a start?A smooth move from small talk to business.
Coffee breaks
- How long have you been with the company?An easy way to get someone talking.
- What are you working on at the moment?Shows interest without being too personal.
- Have you been to São Paulo before?Perfect for visitors from abroad.
- Anyway, I’d better get back. Good to chat!A polite way to end the conversation.
Dinners with foreign colleagues
- Is there anything you’d recommend on the menu?Starts a conversation naturally at the table.
- Have you tried Brazilian food before?A warm topic that most visitors enjoy.
- What do you like to do when you’re not working?Moves the conversation beyond work.
- This has been a great evening. Thanks for coming.A natural way to close the evening.
Keeping the conversation going
- Really? How did that happen?Shows interest and invites the other person to say more.
- That sounds interesting. Tell me more.A simple, natural follow-up.
- I know what you mean.A friendly way to show agreement.
A tip from class
Good small talk is mostly good questions. You don’t need to talk a lot; ask one simple question and follow up on the answer. People remember how interested you were, not how much you said.
Want to use these naturally, under pressure?
Knowing a phrase is one thing. Using it automatically, in the real situation, is another. That’s what we practise in class, with simulations based on your own needs.
In the free trial class, we’ll find out exactly what’s blocking your English. Not sure which course is right for you? We’ll decide together.
Book a free trial class