Appropriate and inappropriate subjects for small talk

Here is a list of common small talk subjects.

–Sports – current matches or games, favourite teams, etc.
–Hobbies
–Weather – boring, but can get the ball rolling!
–Family – general questions, not questions about private matters
–Media – films, books, magazines, etc.
–Holidays – where, when, etc. but NOT how much!
–Home town – where do you come from, how is it different/similar to this town
–Job – once again, general questions not too specific
–Latest fashion and trends
–Celebrities – any gossip you may have!

Here is a list of topics that probably aren’t very good for small talk. Of course, if you are meeting a close friend these topics may be excellent. Just remember that ‘small talk’ is generally a discussion with people you don’t know very well.

–Salary – how much do you make? – That’s none of your business!
–Politics – wait to you get to know the person better
–Intimate relationships – only for you and your partner – or maybe your best friend
–Religion – tolerance is the key!
–Death – we need to face it, but not the first time we meet someone new
–Financial – related to salary above, most people prefer to keep financial information to themselves
–Sales – Don’t try to sell something to someone you have just met.