What is Small Talk? Quiz

In which of these situations do we use small talk?

Which of these are good topics for small talk?

Which of these topics would you NOT discuss with a person you had just met?

Why is gossip NOT an acceptable topic for small talk?

The person you are gossiping about might be friends with the person you're chatting with
It's unprofessional and gives a bad impression of both you and the company
You should only talk about things related to work
It might not be true

Which of these is an appropriate response if a colleague tries to engage in gossip with you about someone you work with?

Stay silent
Smoothly change the subject
Say, "Really? Who told you that?"
Put your hand in their face and say "Talk to the hand, 'cause the face 'ain't listening."
Tell them that you heard differently

Select the topics you would talk about with a colleague who you have only spoken to a couple of times before.

A colleague tells you about a concert he went to last week for a heavy metal band. This is the second time you’ve spoken. You hate heavy metal music.

Which of these would be appropriate responses?

Business English Skill Set – Small Talk