The Art of Small Talk in English | Real Conversations for Real Confidence EP.74

Welcome to Real English Podcast! I’m Brendy and I’m Annie. In this episode, we dive into how small talk doesn’t have to feel awkward — it can actually turn into real, meaningful conversations. Whether you’re at a café, in the office, or meeting someone new, we’ll guide you step-by-step from surface chat to deeper connection. 👉 Download your FREE workbook here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Zgi8... What you’ll learn: Why small talk matters and how it signals “I’m friendly and open” The 3 levels of small talk: Surface → Shared Context → Personal Connection The S.E.A. method: Simple, Emotion, Action — how to make even tiny stories engaging Practical role-plays and expressions you can use today Cultural tips for speaking naturally in English-speaking settings Useful expressions you’ll hear in this episode: “How’s your day going?” “I totally get that.” “Tell me more.” “Hope to see you around again.” … and more! 🕒Timestamps 0:00 Welcome to Real English Podcast 👋 0:18 What is small talk and why it matters ☕ 0:51 Small talk = a social warm-up (not pointless!) 💬 1:10 Two key purposes of small talk – connection & trust 🤝 1:36 Be interested, not interesting 🎯 2:11 Conversation killers to avoid 😬 2:43 The magic formula – Expand, Share a detail, Ask back 🗣️ 3:28 The 3 levels of small talk (Level 1 → 3) 🎮 4:31 Level 1: Surface topics 🌤️ 4:57 Level 2: Shared context ☕ 5:30 Level 3: Personal connection 💞 5:08 How to make stories interesting – The S.E.A Method 🌊 6:24 SEA = Simple, Emotion, Action 💡 7:19 Practice examples with repeat after me 🎧 7:24 Awkward vs. Natural conversation role-play 🎭 8:16 Why it worked – shared context and details 🔑 8:53 Ask better questions & use “Tell me more” 🪄 9:41 Dealing with awkward silence 🤐 10:16 How to end a conversation politely – White Flag approach 🏳️ 11:12 Final tips – be curious, kind, and real 💬 11:46 Your challenge for this week 💪 12:01 Outro – Real life, Real confidence 🎧 Challenge for you: Try one thing this week: ask a follow-up question in your next small talk, or use a SEA story to share! Your confidence grows by doing, not just listening. 🔔 Don’t forget: Like this video, subscribe to Real English Podcast, and share with friends who want to speak English more naturally. Real life, real confidence. #SmallTalk #EnglishConversation #SpeakEnglishNaturally #EnglishForBeginners #IntermediateEnglish #RealEnglishPodcast #EverydayEnglish #ConfidenceInEnglish #LearnEnglish #ESL