Everyday situations
How to make small talk in English
A2
Talking about the weather, the weekend, travel and sport: the phrases you need in the lift, in a queue or at a coffee break.
Quick answer
In English-speaking countries, small talk is everywhere: in the lift, in a queue, before a meeting, at dinner with friends. If you don't join in, people may think you are cold or rude. But it is the only part of English where depth does not matter at all. You talk about the weather, the weekend or the dog, not politics or money. Three key rules: 1) never ask closed questions (a yes/no answer stops the conversation), 2) always react to what the other person says, 3) avoid risky topics (religion, politics, money, health problems). And remember: How are you? is not a real question, it is a way to say hello. The right answer is Good, thanks, you?, never your life story.
Step by step
Each step follows a typical conversation. Lines marked “or” are other possible answers, depending on the situation.
1. Starting the conversation
Say hello and ask an opening question. The place and the moment give you enough to start.
- You
Hi, how are you?
Neutral→ This is NOT a real question: it is a longer way to say hello.orHow's it going?
InformalorHow are you doing?
NeutralUSorYou alright?
InformalUK→ Very British: the usual answer is Yeah, you? - Other person
Good, thanks, and you?
→ The only answer people expect. Don't tell your life story.orYeah, you?
UK - You
Not bad, thanks.
- You
Long time no see!
Informal→ Use it when you meet someone you haven't seen for a long time. - Other person
I know! How have you been?
- You
Really well, thanks. How's your day been?
Neutral
2. Talking about the weekend and plans
The number 1 topic on Monday morning at work and on Friday evening with friends.
- You
How was your weekend?
→ The usual Monday question. - Other person
Great, thanks. We went hiking in the Lake District. How about you?
→ Always ask the question back. - You
Pretty quiet, actually. Just stayed in and watched a few films.
- You
Did you watch the game last night?
- Other person
I did! What a match.
orNo, I missed it. Who won?
- You
Got any plans for the weekend?
InformalorHave you got any plans for the holidays?
- Other person
Nothing major. Maybe catch up with a friend.
orWe're going to Scotland for a week.
3. Talking about the weather
The most British topic of all. It is always acceptable, and it is always easy to continue.
- You
Lovely weather today, isn't it?
→ The question tag (isn't it?) invites the other person to agree.orTerrible weather we're having.
- Other person
Beautiful, isn't it? Let's hope it lasts.
orTell me about it! It's been raining all week.
→ Tell me about it means “I completely agree”. - You
It's freezing today.
orBit chilly, isn't it?
InformalUK→ Bit is short for a bit in informal British English. - Other person
Isn't it? I wish I'd brought a scarf.
- You
Did you get caught in the rain?
- Other person
Yes, I'm soaked!
4. Talking about yourself without showing off
Give some context, but don't talk too much. Keep it short, factual and open to the other person.
- You
So what do you do?
Neutral→ A standard social question about someone's job or studies. Don't mix it up with What are you doing? (what you are doing right now). - Other person
I work in marketing for a tech company. What about you?
- You
I'm in my final year at university.
- You
Are you from around here?
- Other person
Originally from Spain, but I've been in London for three years.
- You
Oh, what brought you here?
→ A good follow-up question: it keeps the conversation going. - Other person
I came over for a job, and never left.
5. Reacting and keeping the conversation alive
The best small talkers listen more than they speak. Four techniques that always work.
- Other person
I spent two weeks in Japan last summer.
- You
Oh really? Tell me more.
→ A first open reaction: it asks the person to say more.orNo way, really?
InformalorHow interesting!
- Other person
I did a hiking trip in the mountains. It was amazing.
- You
That sounds amazing!
→ You show real interest and enthusiasm. - Other person
I'm thinking of going back next year.
- You
I know what you mean.
orSame here.
Informal→ It shows that you agree or feel the same.orWhat a coincidence! I was just thinking about going there.
- Other person
We got lost on the way back, and then it started to rain.
- You
And then what happened?
- Other person
A farmer gave us a lift in his van.
6. Ending politely
How to leave without upsetting anyone: say that you are leaving, say thank you, and say you will talk again.
- You
Got far to go home?
- Other person
Not far, about twenty minutes by bus.
- You
Anyway, I should get going.
Neutral→ Anyway signals the end of the conversation. - Other person
Already? OK, no problem.
- You
It was great catching up.
orLovely chatting with you.
- Other person
You too!
- You
Let's grab a coffee sometime.
→ A standard social phrase: you may not really meet. - Other person
Definitely!
- You
Take care!
Neutral→ A very common way to end a conversation.orSee you around.
InformalorHave a good one!
InformalUS
Useful vocabulary
Safe topics
- the weatherrain, sun, wind and temperature
- the weekendSaturday and Sunday
- the holidaystime off school or work
- the newswhat is happening in the world
- sport / the gamematches and teams people follow
- the journey / the commutethe trip to work or school
- the kidsan informal word for children
- the pet / the dogan animal that lives with you
Topics to avoid
- politicsgovernments, parties and elections
- religionbeliefs about God or gods
- salary / incomehow much money someone earns
- age (someone's)how old someone is
- health (intimate)private problems with your body
- weight / appearancehow heavy someone is, how they look
- relationship problemstrouble with a partner
- controversial topicssubjects people strongly disagree about
Filler words
- so... / well...words to start or pause
- you knowasks the listener to understand
- I meanto explain or correct yourself
- anywayto change the topic or finish
- actuallyin fact, often to add a surprise
- basicallyto give the simple version
- right?checks that someone agrees
- oh wow / oh reallyto show surprise or interest
Reacting and agreeing
- tell me about itI completely agree (about something bad)
- no kiddingshows surprise, or that it's obvious
- that's a good pointyou are right about that
- totally / absolutelycompletely; yes, I agree
- fair enoughOK, that is reasonable
- I betI can imagine that
- sounds goodthat plan is fine with me
- right onexactly, I agree
UK vs US: what changes
| You want to say… | UK | US |
|---|---|---|
| Asking how someone is (informal) | You alright? / All right? | How are you doing? / What's up? |
| Time off school or work | Holidays | Vacation |
| Saying goodbye after a chat | Cheers! / Take care! | Take care! / Have a good one! |
| Inviting someone for a hot drink | Fancy a cuppa? | Want to grab a coffee? |
| Hearing each other's news | Catch up | Catch up |
| Favourite sports to talk about | Football, cricket, rugby | Football (NFL), baseball, basketball |
Common mistakes to avoid
1. Taking How are you? as a real question
A very common mistake. How are you? is NOT a real question: it is a longer way to say hello. The only answer people expect is Good, thanks, you? If you answer Actually, I had a difficult morning because…, the other person immediately feels uncomfortable. Keep your news for later in the conversation, if it continues.
2. Going straight to business
Starting a work conversation with So, about the contract…, without 30 seconds of small talk, seems sudden and cold. The standard in English-speaking countries: 1 or 2 minutes about the weather, the weekend or a trip, then you move on. How was your weekend? … Great. So, about the contract…
3. Risky topics in small talk
Politics, religion, salary, age, weight, health problems: avoid them with a stranger or a colleague. Topics that may seem neutral (immigration, the environment, wars) can also be sensitive in English-speaking countries. If someone brings one up, show that you heard and change the subject (That's a tough one, what about that game last night?).
4. Answering just Yes or No
Did you have a nice weekend? / Yes. stops the conversation. Always say more: Yes, it was great, we went to the coast. How about you? The basic rule of small talk in English: answer + detail + question back.
5. Taking Let's grab a coffee sometime literally
This phrase is a social signal, not a firm invitation. Most of the time, nobody calls back. If you really want to meet for a coffee, suggest a day and a time straight away (How about Tuesday at 4?). If not, accept that the phrase is just a polite goodbye.
Practice quiz
Related pages: Small talk
Pages on a similar topic or with a similar use, so you can keep exploring.
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Frequently asked questions
How do you make small talk in English?+
There are five safe topics: the weather, the weekend, travel, sport, and pets or children. Three rules: 1) ask open questions (never yes/no questions), 2) always react and ask the question back (How about you?), 3) avoid risky topics (politics, religion, salary, health). Small talk usually lasts 2 to 5 minutes before the serious topic.
How do you answer “How are you?” in English?+
Good, thanks, and you?: that's all. How are you? is not a real question; it is a longer way to say hello. Don't answer with detailed news. Avoid I'm fine, thank you, the typical textbook answer, which sounds a bit stiff. Natural answers: Pretty good / Not bad / All good, thanks.
What topics should you avoid in small talk?+
Politics, religion, salary or income, age, weight or looks, private health problems and relationship problems. In the US, also avoid race and immigration. In the UK, Are you from around here? is fine, but pushing to know where someone comes from (Where are you really from?) can feel rude, especially to someone whose family came from another country.
How do you keep a conversation going in English?+
Use four techniques. 1) An open question to go further (Tell me more / And then what happened?). 2) Showing real interest (That sounds amazing / How interesting). 3) Sharing the feeling (Same here / I know what you mean). 4) Surprise (Oh really? / No way!). If you can, follow it with an open question.
What does “Let's grab a coffee sometime” mean?+
It is a polite social signal, and usually not a real invitation. If the person suggests a day (How about Tuesday?), they mean it. If they just say sometime, it is a friendly goodbye, and you probably won't meet. To turn it into a real invitation, suggest a day straight away.
How do you end a conversation politely in English?+
Follow the usual steps. 1) Signal the end (Anyway / Well). 2) Give a soft excuse (I should get going / I'd better head off). 3) Say something positive (Great chatting / Lovely to see you). 4) Use a social phrase (Let's grab a coffee sometime). 5) Leave (Take care / See you around / Have a good one).
Updated on 12 November 2026 by the Big Challenge teaching team. Every year, more than 500,000 students across Europe take part in our English contest, created in 1999. Our teaching approach →
The Big Challenge · Updated on 12 November 2026 · Source: www.thebigchallenge.com/bl/academy/learn-english/situations/small-talk
© The Big Challenge. Copying allowed for classroom use. Every year, more than 500,000 students across Europe take part in our English contest, created in 1999.