If you’re someone who freezes up when small talk suddenly becomes necessary—especially in English, which isn’t your first language—this Small Talk series is just for you. Each post will give you fresh, practical ideas for what to say in different everyday situations. You’ll learn natural expressions to help keep the conversation flowing and build confidence in your speaking skills.

In this post, we’ll look at a casual exchange between two moms who meet at a park while watching their kids play. They don’t know each other at first, but end up sharing a bench—and a light conversation. It’s the kind of moment that can feel awkward if you’re not sure how to start or respond, but with the help of this example, you’ll be better prepared when it’s your turn to join in. So read on—this will be fun, useful, and totally doable.

Commentary

The small talk example above works well—and here’s why:

1. The conversation starts with a shared observation. Mom 1 opens with a light comment about the kids’ energy—something both moms clearly relate to. Starting with something you both have in common is always a good idea. In a similar situation, you could also mention the weather: “Beautiful day for the park, isn’t it?” is a classic opener.

2. They move from general to personal. After briefly talking about kids in general, they naturally shift to talking about their own: “Which one’s yours?” This helps build a sense of connection. Their kids’ playful (and slightly chaotic) behavior gives them something to laugh about together. Parents at the park often share similar experiences, which makes starting and sustaining a conversation much easier. Just remember not to overshare—keep it light and balanced. Small talk is like a dance: you speak, but also leave space for the other person to respond.

3. They discuss the place they’re in. Talking about the park itself—how often they come, other parks they like, or even things like shade and cleanliness—adds another layer of connection. In your own conversations, this could lead to sharing recommendations for other family-friendly places, including indoor options on rainy days.

4. They swap simple tips. Without being pushy, they exchange helpful, everyday advice—like bringing enough snacks. You could easily imagine them mentioning sun hats, water bottles for hot days, or whether toys are worth bringing to the park. These kinds of small suggestions show thoughtfulness and make the conversation more useful.

5. They end with appreciation. Before wrapping up, they acknowledge the pleasant interaction: “It’s nice chatting with someone who gets it.” That kind of genuine, friendly remark leaves a good impression. Saying something like, “Hope we see you here again,” is a natural way to close and invite future interaction. The other person responds in kind, and just like that, a brief connection is made.

Summary

To sum up, here’s a simple outline for small talk like this:

1. Start with something you both share
2. Talk a little about your kids
3. Mention the place or setting
4. Share light, helpful tips
5. End with appreciation or a friendly goodbye

Remember, the key to great small talk is finding common ground, keeping things easy and respectful, and staying open to connection. It doesn’t need to be deep or perfect—just genuine. And in situations like this, where two people don’t know each other at all, a little friendliness goes a long way.

Vocabulary

Let’s look at some vocabulary that can be especially useful in situations like this.

Did you find this post useful? We’d love to hear your thoughts! If there’s a specific situation where you feel unsure or lack confidence when making small talk, let us know—we’d be happy to create a post just for that. In the meantime, check out our other helpful articles to make your small talk sound more natural: “20 Alternatives to “How Are You?”” and “15 Informal Phrases for Smoother Conversation” (Parts 1 & 2).