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Sunday Watercooler
How to Level up 'My Hobby Is...'
Small Talk • Hobbies • Conversation Skills
When you're making small talk, what's one of the best ways to connect with someone? Talking about hobbies! It’s a fantastic window into someone's personality. Discussing what we do for fun can be very therapeutic and helps build real connections, moving beyond simple questions and answers. Let's explore how to have a great conversation about what you and others love to do.
The Real Goal of Hobby Talk
Remember, the point isn't just to list your hobbies. The goal is to find a shared interest or simply learn more about the other person. Showing genuine curiosity about their favorite pastime is the key to a memorable and friendly conversation.
The 3-Step Conversation
Step 1: Breaking the Ice
Breaking the ice is all about asking open-ended questions that invite more than a 'yes' or 'no' answer. Try asking about their time outside of work, like the upcoming weekend or general free time.
Try saying:
- So, what do you like to do in your free time?
- Doing anything fun this weekend?
- Have you picked up any new hobbies lately?
Step 2: Play "Ping-Pong"
This is where the real conversation happens! Show you're listening by asking follow-up questions. This proves your interest and encourages the other person to share more details.
Try asking:
- That sounds fun! How did you get into that?
- Wow, how long have you been doing that?
- What's the most enjoyable part for you?
Step 3: Making an Exit
When it's time to go, you want to end the chat on a positive note. A simple, friendly closing statement that references your conversation is a perfect way to exit gracefully.
Try saying:
- Well, it was great to hear about your photography!
- I should get going, but thanks for the chat. Enjoy your hike!
- It was nice talking with you. Maybe you can show me a picture sometime!
Copy-Paste Expressions
Want to sound more natural? Here are some common phrases you can use to talk about hobbies in different situations. Try mixing them into your next conversation!
Asking About Hobbies
• “What do you do to unwind?” (A great alternative to 'What are your hobbies?')
• “Are you into sports at all?” (Use 'into' to ask about general categories of interests.)
• “Got any passions outside of work?” (A very friendly and casual way to ask.)
• “How do you usually spend your weekends?” (Focuses on recent activities and is easy to answer.)
Describing Your Own Hobbies
• “I'm a bit of a foodie.” (A fun way to say you love food and cooking.)
• “I'm trying to get back into painting.” (Use this for a hobby you did in the past and are starting again.)
• “Lately, I've been dabbling in guitar.” (Perfect for a new hobby you're trying casually.)
• “On weekends, I usually hit the gym.” (A common, natural-sounding phrase for regular activities.)
Reacting Positively
• “No way, me too!” (Use this when you share the same hobby.)
• “That's really impressive!” (A great compliment for a hobby that requires skill.)
• “You must be very dedicated.” (Good for hobbies that require a lot of time or practice.)
• “I've always wanted to try that.” (Shows interest and invites them to talk more about it.)
Putting it together:
At the Office Kitchen
A: “That's a great photo on your desk, Kenji.”
B: “Oh, thanks! I took it last weekend. I'm trying to take up photography.”
A: “Really? How did you get into that?”
B: “My friend is a photographer and inspired me. I'm still a complete novice though.”
A: “Well, it looks fantastic! You should show me more sometime.”
B: “I'd be happy to. Thanks!”
Before a Meeting
A: “Did you do anything interesting over the weekend, Yumi?”
B: “I did! I tried baking a sourdough bread for the first time.”
A: “Wow, that's ambitious! How did it turn out?”
B: “It was okay. A little flat, but it tasted good!”
A: “I'm sure it was great. You seem to have a real knack for baking.”
B: “Thanks! I find it really relaxing.”
At a Company Party
A: “I feel like I haven't seen you in the office much lately.”
B: “I took last week off to go hiking in the mountains.”
A: “Oh, nice! Are you an avid hiker?”
B: “I try to be! I go at least once a month if the weather is good.”
A: “That's really cool. I've always wanted to try it.”
B: “You should! It's a great way to clear your head.”
Casual Chat with a Colleague
A: “What do you usually do to unwind after a long week?”
B: “Lately, I've been trying to learn the ukulele.”
A: “No way! That's so interesting. Is it difficult?”
B: “It's harder than it looks, but it's a lot of fun.”
A: “I bet! That's a great way to spend your free time.”
B: “For sure. It's a nice change from just watching TV.”
Useful Vocabulary:
• unwind:
To relax and stop feeling anxious.• dabbling in:
Trying an activity for a short time in a way that is not serious.• get into:
To become interested or involved in an activity.• foodie:
A person who is very interested in cooking and eating good food.• avid:
Showing great enthusiasm for or interest in something.• therapeutic:
Helping you to relax.• knack for:
A natural skill or ability to do something easily and well.• pastime:
An activity that someone does regularly for enjoyment rather than work; a hobby.• take up:
To start doing a particular activity or hobby.• novice:
A person who is new to and has little experience in a skill, job, or situation.Challenge Corner
How would you handle these situations? Talk about the following:
- You are having lunch with a new colleague. Ask them about their hobbies to get to know them better.
- An acquaintance at a party asks what you did last weekend. Use this as an opportunity to talk about one of your hobbies.
- Your boss mentions they are looking for a new way to relax. Suggest a hobby and explain why you enjoy it.
What is a better way of saying this?
“My hobby is cooking.”
Why does this sound unnatural?
(Hint: Instead of stating it like a fact, try describing your interest or how you spend your time. Use phrases like 'I really enjoy...' or 'In my free time, I love to...'.)
Rewrite it using today's vocabulary:
- Rewrite the sentence to show you are very enthusiastic about cooking.
- Rewrite the sentence as if you just started cooking recently.
Want to practice your small talk?
Small talk gets easier the more you do it. If you want to roleplay some common office scenarios or practice "Making an Exit," you can book a lesson with me on Cafetalk!
Book a lesson and let's get talking!
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