Youtube Exercise » English Grammar Homework

B1-B2

Small Talk Can Make You Happier. Here's How to Master it.

BrainCraft

307K views 7 years ago

Warm-up Questions

In what situations do you usually have to make small talk (for example, parties, work, or public places)?
Do you think small talk can make people happier? Why or why not?
What makes small talk feel easy or difficult for you?

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Small Talk Can Make You Happier. Here's How to Master it.

Why small talk feels scary (and why it helps) (00:00 – 01:20)

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1. At the party, what are the two options the speaker describes?

Look at your phone or talk to strangers
Leave the party or find the host
Eat food or dance

2. What does recent research suggest about new acquaintances?

They usually judge you harshly at first
They often like you more than you think
They prefer not to talk to strangers

3. What is the “liking gap”?

People overestimate how much others like them
People only like others who share the same hobbies
People underestimate how much others like them

Small Talk Can Make You Happier. Here's How to Master it.

How to make better small talk (01:20 – 02:24)

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1. According to the video, what should you do more of to be seen as more likeable in conversation?

Ask more questions
Tell more stories about yourself
Make jokes as often as possible

2. Why are follow-up questions important?

They help you end the conversation faster
They show you are actively listening
They help you change the topic quickly

3. What do studies say about texting during a conversation?

It makes you seem less polite and attentive
It helps the other person feel more relaxed
It makes you seem more friendly

Small Talk Can Make You Happier. Here's How to Master it.

Benefits of small talk + sponsor message (02:24 – 04:00)

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1. What do experts estimate about how many jobs are found through professional networking?

Three out of four
Two out of four
One out of four

2. How do people often feel when they chat with someone like a bartender or barista?

Happier
More tired
More annoyed

3. According to the video, how do people usually report feeling about chatting with strangers after they do it?

They dislike it more than they expected
They like it more than they expected
They feel exactly the same as before

Small Talk Can Make You Happier. Here's How to Master it.

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1. What is one main message of the video?

Small talk can improve happiness and connection
Only extroverts can learn small talk
Small talk is mostly a waste of time

2. Which strategy best matches the advice in the video?

Check your phone often to avoid awkward moments
Talk as much as possible so there are no silences
Ask interesting questions and then ask follow-up questions

3. Why might small talk help your professional life?

It helps you build connections through networking
It guarantees you will get a promotion
It replaces the need for job applications

Discussion Questions

Discuss the ideas from this video

Small Talk Can Make You Happier. Here's How to Master it.

Do you think the “liking gap” is true in your experience? Why or why not?
Which question from the video (or your own) would you use to start a conversation with a stranger? Why?
What are polite “phone rules” during a conversation in your culture or workplace?
How could small talk help you in the next year (study, work, travel, or relationships)? Give one specific situation.