How to sound natural in English small talk
Hi!
Small talk patterns that make you sound relaxed, not rehearsed.
The weather is just the opening
Good small talk is a ping-pong game. You hit the ball back with a short answer and a question. That is it.
Instead of “Fine, thanks”, try “Not bad! Busy week. How about you?”
Fillers that buy you time
Native speakers pause too. They just fill the pause.
Let me think…
Gives you two seconds without silence.
To be honest…
Softens an opinion.
It depends, really.
Perfect for any “what do you prefer” question.
Follow-up questions
The secret of a good conversation is the second question. “Where are you from?” is fine. “What do you miss most about it?” is a friendship.