Small Talk ESL Activities, Role-Plays, Games and Worksheets
Both of Us

In this insightful small talk speaking activity, students find out what they have in common with their classmates by asking and answering common small talk questions. First, students write the names of all the... read more
Small Talk Questions

In this free small talk speaking activity, students practice writing, asking and answering questions on common small talk topics. Students begin by... read more
Common Responses

In this fun small talk game, students practice replying to small talk statements and questions with commonly used responses. In groups, students take turns picking up a card and reading the small talk... read more
Conversation Starters

In this communicative small talk activity, students complete small talk questions and statements to start a conversation and then use them to practice making... read more
I Must Be Going Now

In this productive saying goodbye activity, students practice phrases for ending a small talk conversation and saying goodbye between casual acquaintances or people who just met. First, in pairs... read more
Small Talk Role-Play

In this engaging small talk role-play, students take on the role of people meeting for the first time at a networking event and practice making small talk by introducing themselves and steering the conversation toward a particular topic. First... read more
Small Talk Techniques

In this free small talk worksheet, students learn four techniques to make small talk and keep a conversation going. First, students read about using echo... read more
That's Fantastic!

In this useful small talk game and role-play, students practice using common conversational phrases that show interest in what someone is saying... read more
How to Make Small Talk

This comprehensive small talk worksheet helps students develop an understanding of small talk, identify suitable small talk topics, learn about conversation... read more
Social English

In these communicative small talk role-plays, students use conversation starters to make small talk in two authentic situations. In the first role-play, one student uses the conversation starters to find a small talk topic their partner is interested in... read more