Small Talk

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Dear all,

in many posts it was mentioned that small talk can serve to calm the atmosphere and relax the client (A) and the provider (B). How does one exactly carry out small talk? I mean, one can always try "How do you do today, sir/ma'am?" Does it sound too formal to be effective? What happens if A or B or both are the quiet type?

Another point that I would appreciate getting some input on is the issue of languages, as described in the next two scenarios:

Scenario 1: Only one of A's or B's native language is English, and A and B do not share the same native languages.

Scenario 2: Neither A's nor B's native language is English, and English (or some other language) is the only common language between A and B.

How does the notion "small talk" operate in these circumstances? A few real examples would be helpful in substantiating the claim

Thank you for your time

 

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Indeed I am posting in THE LOUNGE.
But, at least for me, it is one thing to write/type up written "small talks" and another to actually "talk the talks." For me, I rarely initiate a conversation unless I have something specifically to say/ask.

Has anyone ever used a whiteboard for "small talks"? I have... Maybe it should be called "medium talk"? Now, that sounds like séance.

But it's usually a burden to carry around even a small one. Therefore, I usually used the ones available at the location (home, school, etc.)

Yes, I think scenario 2 is unnecessarily restrictive. Scenario 3 is broader and easier to understand. Thanks.