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Stage 1 · Surviving meetings

Small talk before a meeting

A few minutes of chat while waiting for everyone to join.

Situation

You join the call early. Only a colleague from Australia is there.

Sample dialogue

Speed

  1. Jack · QA Engineer

    Hey! Can you hear me okay?

  2. You · Developer

    Yes, loud and clear. How was your weekend?

  3. Jack · QA Engineer

    Pretty relaxing, we went to the beach. How about you?

  4. You · Developer

    I mostly stayed home. It's been a busy week, but a good one.

  5. You · Developer

    What time is it over there?

  6. Jack · QA Engineer

    Almost five. Nearly the end of my day.

  7. You · Developer

    Nice. Let's give it a minute for others to join.

Key phrases

Can you hear me okay?

Check your audio at the start of a call.

Small talkStage 1 · Surviving meetings

How was your weekend?

A common Monday small-talk opener.

Small talkStage 1 · Surviving meetings

It's been a busy week, but a good one.

A friendly answer to "How are you?"

Small talkStage 1 · Surviving meetings

What time is it over there?

Small talk with colleagues in other time zones.

Small talkStage 1 · Surviving meetings

Let's give it a minute for others to join.

Wait for others before starting the meeting.

Small talkStage 1 · Surviving meetings

I think you're on mute.

Tell someone their microphone is muted.

Small talkStage 1 · Surviving meetings
Practice these phrases

How to practice

  1. Shadow the whole dialogue 3 times, the last time without the transcript.
  2. Prepare 2 sentences about your own weekend.
  3. This week's challenge: start the small talk in one meeting.