Small talk Getting to know each other
Personal information: slowly, bit by bit
In the UK it is quite common to reveal personal information quite slowly, bit by bit.
Mention info in passing (by the way I am …)
Mention your name or other information about yourself just in passing: By the way I am ... for example ...
Open questions: what, why, how
It is easier to start a conversation with open questions – with what, why or how.
Question tags: isn't it, doesn't it?
Also very helpful are question tags like isn't it or doesn't it after a statement.
Anwers: yes + statement
If you answer a question, don't just say yes or no – add something to keep up the conversation: Yes, that's really unusual.
Small talk can create interesting conversations and a great atmosphere.
Agreement: … me too, I know exactly what you mean.
To help create this atmosphere - show agreement, use me too or I know exactly what you mean.
Interest: What about you? Is that right? Really?
And show interest, asking: what about you? Is that right? Or simply really?