How to avoid talking just about the weather when meeting someone
Small talk is polite conversation about unimportant or non-controversial topics. It can be an icebreaker or fill in awkward silences. However, it can also be boring and meaningless.
The weather is one of the most common topics that people discuss in small-talk conversations. This article will cover some ways to avoid talking just about the weather when you meet someone.
1. Don’t talk about the weather
It is important to know some “safe” topics when making small talk, especially with people you don’t know well. The weather is one of these safe topics that many people use to fill in awkward silences. However, it is also important to be able to break away from this topic and ask more interesting questions about the person you are talking to.
There are a number of vocabulary words and expressions you can use to make your conversations about the weather more interesting. For example, you can use the verb in its -ing form, such as pouring (raining heavily) or sizzling (very hot). You can also discuss the climate of a place by using adjectives such as tropical (hot and humid) or temperate (cool and dry). Then, you can discuss what type of weather the person likes best.
2. Don’t talk about the weather in general
Whether you’re trying to break the ice at a party where you don’t know anyone or fill in awkward silence during your coworkers’ coffee break, small talk is essential. However, the weather is often a go-to topic that isn’t particularly interesting or engaging.
You can make your conversation more interesting by using vocabulary and phrases that are specific to the season. For example, “Is it sunny or cloudy?” or “Does it feel like (the temperature) outside?”
It is also helpful to remember that different cultures and languages have different ways of talking about the weather. This is why it’s important to avoid comparing the weather in your home country with the weather in the country you are visiting. This will prevent the conversation from becoming boring and predictable.
3. Don’t talk about your own weather
The weather is one of the most common topics for small talk. It’s usually not the most exciting topic, but it can be a good way to start a conversation or fill in awkward silence.
However, if you want to make your conversations more interesting and impress your interlocutors, you need to know some important vocabulary and expressions.
For example, you can use a variety of verbs in their -ing form to describe the weather, such as pouring (raining heavily) or sizzling (very hot). You can also add adjectives like sunny, cloudy, or rainy to indicate the type of weather.
You can also use idioms to express your feelings about the weather, such as I can’t believe this weather! or It’s raining cats and dogs!
4. Don’t talk about the weather in your area
The weather is one of the most common topics that English speakers use to make small talk. It’s a great way to break the ice at a party or to fill in an awkward silence. However, it’s important to avoid talking just about the weather.
Instead, try to talk about other topics, such as the person’s hobbies or interests. This will allow you to learn more about the person and will keep the conversation from becoming boring. Other good topics include the location of the person’s hometown, trivial work-related information, or entertainment. If all else fails, you can always ask about the weather in their area. This will usually spark an interesting conversation. However, be careful not to get too excited about the weather!
In many English-speaking countries, the weather is one of the most common topics of small talk. It can be a good ice-breaker or way to fill in awkward silence. However, it’s important to avoid talking just about the weather if you want to have a more interesting conversation with someone.
Instead, try to find out more about the person’s country and culture. If they are from a country with a different climate than yours, ask them about the differences in their seasonal rituals and traditions. It can also be interesting to hear about how their hometown’s weather has changed over the years. For example, did it used to be hotter or colder? This will make your conversations more interesting and will give you new vocabulary to use in future discussions.