Small talk conversation questions

In general

 * How sociable/unsociable do you consider yourself?
 * Are you a chatty person or do you only speak when you're spoken to?
 * Do you find it easy to make small talk? Can you always think of something "interesting" or "amusing" to say?
 * Do you know people who are good at making small talk? What makes them good at it? Can you learn anything from them?
 * How good are you at making small talk? Have you ever put your foot in it by making a remark that you later regretted?

Topics
Which of the following topics are useful for making small talk:
 * the weather
 * the current political situation
 * the current financial crisis
 * how expensive everything is these days
 * the results of last night's match
 * the outcome of tonight's match
 * holidays

Specific situations
In which of the following situations would you or wouldn't you chat with a stranger:
 * doctor's waiting room
 * waiting at the bus stop (if the bus is late/if there's a strike)
 * on the bus/train
 * standing in the queue at the supermarket
 * standing in the queue at the bank
 * on a long train journey
 * on a plane
 * at a party
 * at a business lunch


 * Has anyone ever tried to chat you up at a party? Have you ever tried to chat anyone up at a party? What did you talk about? (Be specific: "Oh, this and that" is not an answer...) Did you/they score?

People
Which of the following people would/do you find it easier to chat with:
 * your mother/father-in-law
 * a taxi driver
 * your doctor
 * the policeman fining you for speeding/parking
 * an old lady/man next to you in the queue at the bus stop
 * a young man/woman next to you at the bus stop
 * a shop assistant
 * a bank teller
 * with clients
 * with your boss
 * with your workmates/colleagues/classmates

As a host/hostess

 * One of the tasks expected of the person hosting the event is that of being entertaining. How "good" do you think you are as a host/hostess in that way?

As a guest

 * Do you tend to be the "life and soul" of the party, or do you prefer to leave that role to others?