Business English Lesson Plan: Mastering Small Talk

Level: Upper-Intermediate (Adult ESL)
Duration: 60 minutes
Topic: Building Rapport Through Small Talk in Business

1. Lesson Objectives

By the end of the lesson, students will be able to:

• Initiate and maintain small talk in professional situations.

• Use polite follow-up questions to keep conversations flowing.

• Respond naturally and confidently, building rapport with colleagues and clients.

 

2. Key Vocabulary & Expressions

Expression / WordMeaning / Use

Build rapport Create a friendly connection with someone

Make a good impression Create positive feelings when meeting someone

Conversation starter A phrase or question to begin a conversation

Networking Socializing professionally to build contacts

Mutual interest Something both people are interested in

To steer the conversation To guide the topic in a certain direction

To keep the conversation flowing Make sure the conversation doesn’t stop

That’s fascinating / intriguing Show strong interest politely

If I’m not mistaken…Politely clarify or confirm information

I’d love to hear more about that Encouraging further explanation

 

3. Warm-Up (5 minutes)

 

Discuss:
“What is the difference between casual small talk and professional small talk?”
Write examples of both on the board.

4. Model Conversation (More Advanced)

A: Hi, I don’t think we’ve met before. I’m Julia from the sales department.
B: Nice to meet you, Julia. I’m Mark. I work in marketing.
A: Oh great, so we probably collaborate from time to time.
B: True! By the way, are you attending the conference next month?
A: Yes, I am. I’ve heard the keynote speaker is very engaging.
B: Absolutely. I’d love to hear your thoughts on it afterward.

5. Exercise 1 – Rewrite for Politeness & Professional Tone (10 minutes)

 

Rewrite the sentences to make them sound more professional:

1. “What do you do?” → What line of work are you in ? What do oyou ddo for a living?   

2. “Why are you here?” → What brings you to Moscow?   Are you here for business or pleasure?  Is this yoru first time in Moscow?

3. “I don’t understand you.” → I'm sorry would you repeat that please

4. I didn't hear you clearly, say that agin please.  Say again please.

5. “May I ask what your role is here?” In what capacity are you involved in this project?   May I ask what is your function in this project.

6. “What brings you to the event?”  What is it that caught your intereset in thei event?

7. “Could you please clarify what you mean?”  Number 23

 

6. Exercise 2 – Role Play With Strategy (15 minutes)

Instructions:
Choose a scenario and conduct small talk, but use at least 3 vocabulary words from the list above. Try to build rapport and keep the conversation flowing.

Situations:

1. Before a virtual meeting begins

2. Networking event after a presentation

3. During a coffee break at a seminar

4. On the way to the airport with a client

Challenge:
Try to steer the conversation toward a mutual interest.

 

7. Discussion Questions (20 minutes)

Discuss individually or in pairs, then share answers with the group:

1. Why is small talk essential for professional networking?

2. What strategies help make a good first impression?

3. How can tone of voice impact small talk?

4. What topics are “universal” and safe to use?

5. Which topics might be risky or inappropriate?

6. Which culture do you think is best at small talk? Why?

7. How can body language support small talk?

8. What are your strengths when making small talk in English?

9. What parts do you still find challenging?

10. Tell me about a time small talk helped you in real life.

 

8. Wrap-Up (5 minutes)

• Review the vocabulary.

• Student chooses one phrase they will use this week.

• Teacher can give feedback on fluency and tone.

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Cultural Comparison: Small Talk Around the World

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Understanding cultural differences is essential when using small talk in international business. Topics that are acceptable in one country may be uncomfortable or even offensive in another.

1. United States & Western Countries

Style: Friendly, casual, informal tone is common even in business.
Goals: Build rapport quickly, show openness and confidence.
Typical Topics:

• Weather

• Weekend plans

• Sports or hobbies

• Traffic or commute
  Avoid: Politics, religion, personal income, weight/appearance
  Special Feature: Americans often use humor and first names even when meeting for the first time.

 

2. China & East Asia (e.g., Japan, Korea)

Style: More polite and indirect. Respect and hierarchy matter.
Goals: Maintain harmony and show respect (especially to seniors).
Typical Topics:

• Workload or projects

• General life updates (“Have you been busy lately?”)

• Food / local cuisine

• Travel
  Avoid: Personal opinions on politics, government, or social issues
  Special Feature:
  In China and Japan, listening is as important as speaking. Silence is acceptable during conversation and not seen as awkward.

 

3. Arab World (e.g., UAE, Saudi Arabia, Egypt)

Style: Warm, hospitable, expressive. Relationships come before business.
Goals: Establish trust and personal connection before discussing business.
Typical Topics:

• Family and wellbeing

• Health

• Travel experiences

• Compliments (appearance, manners, hospitality)
  Avoid: Criticism of cultural values, religion, or politics
  Special Feature:
  It is common to ask about family, even early in a conversation. This is a way to show respect—not intrusiveness.

 

4. Questions for Discussion

Use these to encourage critical thinking:

1. Which culture is closest to your own communication style?

2. Which culture is the most different from yours?

3. How can we avoid misunderstandings when talking with someone from another culture?

4. If you were at a global business conference, which topics would be “safe” with anyone?

5. Should small talk be taught in business schools? Why or why not?

5. Useful Strategy: “Mirror and Adapt”

When speaking to someone from another culture:

StrategyExplanation

ObserveListen first before talking

MirrorMatch their level of formality

AdaptUse safe and universal topics

RespectAvoid assumptions or stereotypes

ConnectFocus on similarities, not differences

6. Mini Role-Play Activity (Optional)

Student A: You are from the U.S. — friendly and direct.
Student B: You are from East Asia — more polite and indirect.
Practice small talk before a meeting. Try to adjust your style to each other.