Small talk is not empty. It is how English-speaking teams warm up before the real agenda.
Keep three openers ready
After the opener, ask one follow-up. That single extra question is what makes you sound engaged rather than scripted.
Elena Gomez
Updated September 27, 2026
1 min read
Small talk phrases that actually work
Openers, follow-ups, and polite exits you can use in the office kitchen or on a video call.
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