Author Archive

ABC’s of Small Talk- A

Tuesday, July 20th, 2010

Alright, now that we’re done with the who, what, where when why of small talks let’s try to make a list of about small talk. Let’s call it the ABC’s of small talk, these are the small talk tips and topics that I have collected from all over.

Let’s start off with A

Age? Hmm not quite safe. In most cultures, I don’t think it’s appropriate to ask someone’s age, because it might be offensive or something.  I think A is for appropriate. You must think of an appropriate topic to start your small talk. Something that won’t offend or make your new friend walk away.(that’s another a-way) .

6 WHY do people make small talk?

Friday, July 16th, 2010

It serves many functions in helping to make a situation lighter especially when the atmosphere becomes too formal. It helps out break uncomfortable silence between new acquaintances. It also serves to kill time, especially when your hands are tied to engage in something—like I’ve mentioned waiting.  I think small talk is basically to break the ice—break the silence and the monotony of a boring atmosphere.

Source: http://www.englishclub.com/speaking/small-talk_wh.htm

5 WHEN do people make small talk?

Friday, July 16th, 2010

Small talk just happens casually. The moment you meet a person for the first time, when you see your office mate in the lounge, your neighbour who walks by, or when you are in a party or a crowd and you can almost hear a cricket behind your ear, that would definitely warrant a small talk.

Source: http://www.englishclub.com/speaking/small-talk_wh.htm

So you think you are Canadian eh???—Loonie

Friday, July 16th, 2010

Loonie: Canadian one dollar coin named after the “loon” on the one side

So you think you are Canadian eh???—Kokanee

Friday, July 16th, 2010

Kokanee: British Columbian name for a type of  salmon  Also the name of a popular beer made in the Kootenay district

So you think you are Canadian eh???—Joe Job

Friday, July 16th, 2010

Joe Job: a minimum wage job such as dishwasher, fast food employee etc…

4 WHERE do people make small talk?

Sunday, July 11th, 2010

People make small talk just about anywhere, but there are certain places where it is very common. Small talk usually occurs in “boring” places, mostly when you are stuck waiting. In a bus stop, in line, while you wait for your turn. So better use the time doing small talk rather than not doing anything or not hearing anything.

Source: http://www.englishclub.com/speaking/small-talk_wh.htm

So you think you are Canadian eh???—Hydro

Sunday, July 11th, 2010

Hydro: short for hydroelectricity, a term which also means electrical service. Many Canadian provincial electric companies generate power from hydroelectricity, and incorporate the term “Hydro” in their names: Toronto Hydro, Hydro Ottawa, etc. Usage”I didn’t pay my hydro bill so they shut off my lights.” Hence hydrofield, a line of electricity transmission towers, usually in groups cutting across a city, and hydro lines/poles, electrical transmission lines/poles.  Also know as H&H (heat and hydro) for rental units.

So you think you are Canadian eh???—Humidex

Sunday, July 11th, 2010

Humidex: measurement used by meteorologists to reflect the combined effect of heat and humidity.  This summer the humidex in Canada has been incredible! 

So you think you are Canadian eh???—Homo milk

Sunday, July 11th, 2010

Homo milk: short for homogenized milk, in the US they call it whole milk.
Particularly with a fat content greater than 2%, usually 3.25%.  Usually children drink this milk.