E-10.03 Make “Short Talk, Not Small Talk” to Connect Virtually & in Reality

Part One of Speaking: Oral Language Skills for Real-Life Communication = Short Talk, Not Small Talk, pages 5-13 9 pages   Who It’s For: (Teachers & Helpers of) Progressing Language Learners Still Fascinated by Effective Techniques for Interacting with Others While Getting to Know Them(selves) Why It’s Useful:  With the difficulties of keeping in touch in today’s world, “Small Talk” is no longer just polite, uninvolved, meaningless conversation.  Instead, it can involve (deeply held or newly acquired) beliefs, values, opinions, knowledge, and feelings.  Therefore, let’s call it “Short Talk, Not Small Talk.” And let’s use “Open-Ended Questions in Conversation” to promote connection and understanding.  Here’s some Instruction—and Samples, Practice, Activities, & Mini-Speeches—to help us all do so.  What You’ll Do:  [1] First off, there’s instruction on “How to Become a Good Conversationalist in Social Situations.” With suggestions like “ask interesting open-ended questions,” “ad