Building Rapport with Small Talk in Business
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Level: Intermediate to advanced
Objectives:
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Learn how to engage in small talk in a business context
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Understand the importance of building rapport with colleagues and clients through small talk
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Identify appropriate small talk topics and phrases
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Practice small talk skills through role-playing activities and exercises
Materials:
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Whiteboard or virtual whiteboard
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Handout with small talk phrases and topics
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Video or audio clip of a business networking event or small talk conversation for listening practice (not included)
Duration: 60 minutes
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1. Introduction (5 minutes):
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Ask learners about their experience with small talk in a business context
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Discuss the importance of building rapport with colleagues and clients through small talk
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Explain that the lesson will focus on how to engage in small talk effectively and appropriately
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2. Vocabulary and Phrases (10 minutes):
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Distribute the handout with small talk phrases and topics
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Go over the phrases and topics together as a class
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Discuss appropriate and inappropriate small talk topics in a business context
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3. Listening Practice (10 minutes):
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Play a video or audio clip of a business networking event or small talk conversation
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Have learners listen and take notes on the small talk topics and phrases used
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Discuss as a class the strategies used to engage in small talk (some ideas on handout).
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4. Role-Playing Activities (30 minutes):
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Divide learners into pairs or small groups
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Assign each group a scenario for a small talk conversation, such as a business conference, a coffee break with a colleague, or a meeting with a new client. (see handout for more ideas)
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Have groups prepare and practice a small talk conversation based on the scenario
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After 10-15 minutes, have groups present their conversations to the class
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Provide feedback and discuss strategies for improving small talk skills
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5. Wrap-Up (5 minutes):
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Recap the importance of building rapport through small talk in a business context
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Review appropriate small talk topics and phrases
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Encourage learners to practice small talk skills in their own work settings
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6. Optional Homework:
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Assign learners to attend a business networking event or engage in small talk with a colleague or client
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Have learners write a reflection on their experience and what they learned from the lesson
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By the end of this lesson, learners will have a better understanding of how to engage in small talk effectively and appropriately in a business context, which will help them build rapport with colleagues and clients.
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