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Intermediate
Making Small Talk (Weather, Weekend, etc.)
Business English
Exercise 1
Useful Expressions
Direction: Read the useful expressions with your tutor.
How was your weekend? Did you do anything fun?
It’s really [hot/cold] today, isn’t it?
I heard it might rain later. Do you have an umbrella?
Got any plans for the weekend?
Exercise 2
Vocabulary
Direction: Listen and repeat after your teacher
Chilly
Meaning:
Slightly cold in a way that is unpleasant
- It was chilly this morning, so I wore a jacket.
Forecast
Meaning:
A prediction of the weather
- The weather forecast says it’s going to snow tomorrow.
Catch up
Meaning:
To talk and exchange news after not speaking for a while
- Let’s grab coffee sometime and catch up.
Laid-back
Meaning:
Relaxed and easy-going
- The office atmosphere on Fridays is usually laid-back.
Exercise 3
Practice
Choose the Correct Synonym Of Forecast:
Celebration
Prediction
Warning
Cloud
Choose the Correct Synonym Of Catch up:
Complain
Replace
Escape
Reconnect
Choose the Correct Synonym Of Chilly:
Bright
Cold
Noisy
Sunny
Choose the Correct Synonym Of Laid-back:
Serious
Nervous
Busy
Relaxed
Exercise 4
Business Dialogue
Direction: Read the conversation aloud with your teacher and fill in the blanks.
Word Bank:
Laid-back
Forecast
Catch up
Chilly
Situation: Adam and Grace are chatting before a morning meeting.
Adam
Word Bank: weekend, chilly, forecast, catch up, laid-back, coffee, snow, relaxing
Morning Grace! How was your _______?
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Grace
Word Bank: weekend, chilly, forecast, catch up, laid-back, coffee, snow, relaxing
Pretty _______. I just stayed home and watched movies.
Adam
Word Bank: weekend, chilly, forecast, catch up, laid-back, coffee, snow, relaxing
That sounds great. I went hiking — very _______ too.
Grace
Word Bank: weekend, chilly, forecast, catch up, laid-back, coffee, snow, relaxing
Nice! It’s a bit _______ this morning, isn’t it?
Adam
Word Bank: weekend, chilly, forecast, catch up, laid-back, coffee, snow, relaxing
Yeah, I saw the _______ — they say it might _______ tomorrow.
Grace
Word Bank: weekend, chilly, forecast, catch up, laid-back, coffee, snow, relaxing
Seriously? I didn’t expect that at all!
Adam
Word Bank: weekend, chilly, forecast, catch up, laid-back, coffee, snow, relaxing
We should grab a _______ later and _______.
Grace
Word Bank: weekend, chilly, forecast, catch up, laid-back, coffee, snow, relaxing
I’d love that — especially before the meeting rush starts!
Exercise 5
Study Guide
Direction: Read the study manual aloud
"Mastering Small Talk at Work: How Build Friendly Relationships the Right Way"
1. Use neutral topics like weather, weekends, or plans
These are safe and easy conversation starters that everyone can relate to, helping avoid any discomfort.
2. Avoid personal, political, or sensitive subjects
Work isn’t the place for deep or controversial discussions. Keeping it neutral shows respect and professionalism.
3. Keep it light, polite, and short during work hours
A quick friendly chat is enough. Don’t let small talk disrupt productivity or others’ focus.
4. Use tone and facial expressions to show friendliness
A warm smile and pleasant tone make you approachable and help create a positive atmosphere.
5. Ask open-ended questions to keep the conversation going
Instead of yes/no questions, ask things like “What did you do over the weekend?” to encourage a real exchange.
Listening Practice
Friendly Chat at Work
1. What did John do over the weekend?
2. What did the other speaker do?
3. What’s the weather forecast?
4. What do they plan to do after the meeting?
Exercise 6
Discussion
Discuss these questions to practice speaking and share experiences.
Talking About the Workplace
1. What kind of small talk do you hear at your job?
2. How do people usually greet each other in your workplace?
3. Do you enjoy making small talk? Why or why not?
4. What topics are good for small talk at work?
5. Have you had any awkward small talk experiences?
6. How do you respond when someone asks about your weekend?
7. What can you say to end a small talk conversation politely?
