Module 2 – Unit 1: Language Focus
Appropriate Topics for Small Talk
Think About It When we make small talk (light conversation) with our patients, what topics of conversation are appropriate? Are there topics that you should avoid? What are appropriate topics in your country? Are these different from the United States?
Read the list of topics in the survey below. Check “YES” or “NO”, based on how appropriate you think each one is. For those you mark “NO”, consider why you think these are inappropriate topics to discuss with patients.
I think it’s appropriate to talk to a patient about…. |
||
TOPIC |
YES |
NO |
School life |
|
|
Work life |
|
|
Family life |
|
|
Married life |
|
|
The weather |
|
|
Traffic |
|
|
Political opinions |
|
|
Hobbies and interests |
|
|
Personal problems |
|
|
Stories in the news |
|
|
Lifestyle choices |
|
|
Financial situation |
|
|
For all items you marked YES, what exactly can you ask a patient about this topic when you first meet him or her? Write at least one example for each topic.
Useful Language
- Beginning small talk
Do you like . . . ?
How do you like. . . ?
What do you think of. . . ?
How long have you. . . ?
Did you hear about . . . ?