Making Small Talk in a Business Situation

1. WHAT TO TALK ABOUT

Safe small talk topcs:

The weather
Your location / the event
Travel / Places you have been
Food
Sports
The news (but not politics)
General business topics

Be careful with these topics:

Politics
Religion
Romance
Family (for example “Are you married?”, “Do you have children?”)
Business topics which might be confidential (e.g. next year’s new products)
Personal comments about someone’s appearance

2. STARTING THE CONVERSATION

It's a good idea to ask a general question about the situation or event.

For example, if you're at a conference you could ask one of these questions:

- What do you think of this conference so far?

- Are you enjoying the conference?

- Is this your first time at this conference?

3. CONTINUING THE CONVERSATION

If someone asks you a question, this is a good chance to continue the conversation and make a connection with the other person.

For example:
PERSON A: What do you think of this conference so far?

PERSON B: It’s useful, and I’ve met some interesting people. How about you?

PERSON A: What do you think of this conference so far?

PERSON B: I'm enjoying it. I saw an interesting speech this morning about AI and the environment.

As you can see, after PERSON B answers the questions, they either:

ask a question back to PERSON A

give a little more information

This makes it easy for the PERSON A to continue the conversation.

4. ENDING THE CONVERSATION NATURALLY

It’s a good idea to give a reason to leave, don’t just say goodbye!

For example:

- I’m going to speak to some more people. See you later.

- I’m going to get a drink now. It was nice speaking to you.

- I’m going to meet my coworkers now. It was good to meet you.

- The next speech is starting now. See you later!

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If you would like to learn more natural ways to speak with native speakers in a business situation, why not take my business English classes? I have lessons for all levels of student.

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