Neil voiceover: I've been working at the BBC for a long time now. I've met lots of people. And I sometimes bump into them… and make small talk. They call it small talk, but that doesn't mean it's of little importance. Debbie: Neil. Neil: Hello Debbie Debbie: Hiya. Neil: I didn't think you were here today. Debbie: Yep. Just the trains… loads of delays. Neil: Terrible, aren't they? Really awful. Next election, I tell you, I'm going to vote this lot out. Debbie: Yeah, yeah things could be better. I
t's not great. Neil: So, who do you vote for normally? Debbie: Sorry? Neil: Who do you vote for? Which party? Are you political? Are you a member of a party? Debbie: Um… Um… I'm sorry, I'm sorry… I just… I've just… I've just got to speak to someone. Neil: Yeah. Debbie: Jim! Sorry. Jim! Neil: See you later. Neil voiceover: Let's see what our experts have to say about that. Sam: I thought he made a really strong start with the transport and the delays. And she was willing to answer those questions
and talk about it. And we love talking about delayed trains in the UK. Kee: He could have talked about his own journey in. Sam: Yeah. Kee: But instead he went for something else. Sam : And yeah… you can… even talking about politics, the fact that there's a general election – fair enough, you can say, 'Oh yeah, things are interesting at the moment with the general election', but you could leave it there. Kee: Sure, sure. Sam: You wouldn't talk about who you voted for. Kee: And also, they're in t
he canteen. Sam: Yeah Kee: 'What did you buy?' Kee/Sam: 'What have you got for breakfast?' A lot of clues in there – things that you could talk about. Absolutely. Sam : He had something in his hand. Kee: Yeah he had like a… Sam: She was clearly on her way to get something. Kee: Sure, yeah. And I think as soon as he asked that question, she was looking for an excuse to get away from him. So the signs were there, like you say. Sam: Written all over her face. Neil voiceover: Thanks for the tips, gu
ys. I'll try harder next time.
Comments
Awesome Neil!
Thanks.
Oh the lesson is so fun best thing about BBC is we can learn so many things that to in a funny n amazing way
Sir make a video on in spite of/despite
Poor Neil. Nobody wants to talk to him.
Good
I ve heard also that talking and asking about salary is a small talk as well.
Don't be sad Neil, I'm willing to talk with you :)
I wonder why Politics and stuff related to it cannot be considered a small talk subject, though. It's not that "tabooish", is it?
Can you please add subtitle with this kind of videos.
I really respect other's culture but I can't understand why it is uncomfortable to people to talk about their political views in a great democracy like the U.K.
I never talk about politics anyway.
But it’s awful for the lady to avoid his speaking,and looking for someone to talk soon. It’s too bad for him,I thought.:(
Avoid speaking at all 👍