Small talk at an event

What you’ll practice

Start a conversation in English, ask simple questions, respond warmly, and handle short pauses without stress.

Questions

• Hi, I’m ___. What brings you here today?
• How do you know the host / organizer?
• What do you do for work / what are you studying?
• Have you been to this event before?
• What are you working on these days?
• Any recommendations for places to visit / food to try?
• Nice talking to you. Can I add you on LinkedIn?

Phrases and vocabulary

Useful phrases

• “Hi, I don’t think we’ve met. I’m…”
• “How’s your evening going?”
• “That sounds interesting. Tell me more about…”
• “I’m still learning, so I might speak a bit slowly.”
• “I should get going, but it was great meeting you.”

Vocabulary

• host: the person who organizes the event
• what brings you here: why you came / your reason for coming
• recommendation: a suggestion
• catch up later: talk again later

Example answers (anonymized)

I’m here to meet people in product and design. I’m working on a small app project, so I’m curious how others validate ideas and talk to users.