Purpose:

To help learners understand the importance of interpersonal communication and to help them recognize appropriate topics for small talk in the United States.

Preparation time: 

10 minutes

Materials:  

Board and markers, paper and pencils

Preparation:

Write 6 to 8 topics for small talk, both appropriate and inappropriate, on the board. If you have time, you may wish to draw simple pictures or find pictures to illustrate the topics.

Procedure:

1. Introduce the term “small talk” to your learners. Have learners think of different people with whom they might engage in small talk (co-workers, acquaintances, etc.) and some situations when they might engage in small talk.
2. Ask learners if small talk is a part of their culture. Discuss this as a whole class.
3. Have learners copy the small talk topics from the board. Tell them to put an "x" by topics they think would be appropriate for small talk in the United States and a circle by ones that are appropriate in their culture if small talk is a part of their culture.
4. Lead a class discussion comparing learners' predictions to reality.