Small talk: Now you're talking!

Every time I come back from the States, I am struck by the silence at the airport here. Silence is something many native speakers of English are a little uncomfortable with. Even shy or reserved people will feel just a bit uneasy sitting across from each other in total silence, or not saying "hello" or at least smiling when they come into a room. Not every native speaker has the same knack for drumming up a conversation, but someone who can't is considered a bit of a "Born Loser" .

We've learned that light conversation on a train, at a party or standing round the coffee dispenser lets you and your conversation partner feel more comfortable with each other. So we do our best to fill the silent void with friendly sounds. Small talk, to us, is the way in, not an "extra". As English has become a lingua franca for the rest of the world, small talk has grown into an international convention. It's a good thing, too. How will we ever become one world if we don't talk to each other? You've found something you and your conversation partner both really like? Now you're talking!

In "The Art of Small Talk" in the May edition of Spotlight, Vivienne Arnold presents what goes into this key communication skill, along with the most important phrases to make it work for you. How good are you at small talk? Find out on the next page.

Anne Hodgson