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Confident Small Talk

Imagine … you know that you have to go to a meeting where you don’t know anyone. How do you feel about that, are you looking forward the event or does panic strike? 







Some people think that small talk is not important, however, being good at small talk makes you confident socially. And don’t forget that small talk skills can help you to develop relationships with people easier and quicker. Furthermore, it paves the way for other topics of conversation. 
 
See below some examples how you can start different conversations by feeling confident at any time. 
 
 
Starting a conversation with strangers
 
Excuse me, do you speak English?
Excuse me. May I ask you a question?
Excuse me, is this seat taken?
Nasty weather, isn’t it?
What a slow train it is!
I beg your pardon. Was that your glass/chair?
I am awfully sorry, was that your foot?
You look worried. Is there anything I can do for you?
Has it been raining here like this for long?
It’s rather cold/hot/crowded in here, don’t you think?
May I invite you for a drink?
Why not have a beer? – Good idea!
Is this your first visit to …..?
Are you here on business or pleasure? 
 
 
 
At a Congress or a Conference 
 
Excuse me, where is the conference room? 
Are you here for the first time? So am I. 
You look a bit lost. Can I help you?
Nice place. Do you come here often? 
I’m from …. Where are you from?
Do you happen to know the guest speaker?
What do you expect from this congress?
Are you here on business?
Can I get you a drink? 
May I ask why you are here?
Are you also staying at the ....(e.g. Hilton Hotel)?
Is it comfortable? – Yes, very.
What’s the food like?
How long are you staying? 
Here is my card.
We could have dinner together, if you like. 
 
 
Introducing yourself 
 
By the way, my name is ….
Perhaps I should introduce myself.
Jim Moore’s the name.
I am from Bonn. Where do you come from?
I am here on a holiday/business trip.
Pleased to meet you.
Happy to make your acquaintance.
I think we’ve met before.
Do you remember me? We met at Chris Johnson’s party last month.
Pleased to meet you.
Glad to meet you, too. 
 
 
Introducing others 
 
Mr Smith, may I introduce you to Mrs Brown?
Tom, I’d like you to meet Sandra.
Sandra, this is Tom.
Claire, I’m not sure if you have met Tom. Tom, this is Claire.
Pleased to meet you.
The pleasure is mine. 
 
 
The Ice Breakers
 
Did you have a good journey?
Had a good journey, I hope.
The train was rather overcrowded.
I hope you had a pleasant flight.
The flight was rather bumpy.
Did you get through the customs okay?
I didn’t have any problems.
How was the transfer to the hotel?
We haven’t seen each other for ages.
How are your wife and children?
By the way, many thanks for your Christmas greetings.
Thanks for your card when you were on holiday.
Did you find our company straight away?
I didn’t have any trouble thanks to your clear instructions.
Let’s sit down, shall we?
May I introduce you?
Let’s forget the formalities. 
I suggest we drop the formalities.
May I offer you something to drink?
Coffee, tea or something else?
I’ll have the same as you.
Do you feel like talking business right now?
Shall we have a drop of something to keep the cold out? 
 
 
 
Be My Guest
 
What are you doing this evening?
I am thinking of having a quiet evening.
Have you got anything planned for tonight?
Would you like to join us for dinner this evening?
Thank you, that sounds very nice.
I would be pleased if you would honour me with your company.
May I invite you to my place tonight?
Would you and your wife like to come over for a glass of wine?
I’d love to; at what time?
Would between eight and half past suit you?
We’ve invited a few colleagues over for Friday evening. Wouldn’t you like to join us, too?
I’d love to, but unfortunately, I won’t be able to. Our sales manager is coming for the weekend. 
I’d love to, but I’ve got another engagement.
Why don’t you bring your colleague along with you?
My wife would like to meet you. 
I’m afraid I can’t make it tonight.
She’ll be very depressed if you turn us down. 
She’ll be very disappointed if you refuse our invitation.
Thank you very much. I’ll look forward to that.
I’m looking forward to meeting your family. 
I'm afraid I'll have to say no I need an early night. 
 
 
 
Feel At Home 
 
Please, come in. 
It’s good to see you here again.
Do you want to take your coat off?
May I take your coat?
Do sit down.
Have a seat.
Can I offer you a drink?
May I offer you an aperitif?
Would you like a sherry?
Help yourself to some more.
The bar is over there. Please help yourself. 
Excuse me, where is the toilet, please?
You’ve got a cosy flat.
You have a wonderful house.
Would you like me to show you around the house?
What a nice garden you have!
Let’s go and sit in the garden.
I’d like to live in the country, too.
May I introduce you to my wife?
I’ve brought you a little something.
Thank you. You shouldn’t have.
My husband has told me a lot about you.
Only good things, I hope.
Make yourself at home. 
 
 
 
 
If you know someone who could also benefit from this article, 
please feel free to share. Thank you. 
 
 

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