Small Talk ( Part 2) : How to do it?

We are going to expand more on the topic about “Small Talk” on this blog. We are going to give you some ideas on how to properly initiate the small talk with your HRTs/JTEs.

How to do the Small Talk during English Lessons?

• Choose the phrases/sentences together with JTE/HRT.
  
• Memorize the phrases and practice them with the JTE/HRT.
  
• Explain and give your JTE/HRT an idea about the scenario or situation about your modelled “Small Talk.” They would appreciate it if you can also give out your own suggestions to your Japanese Teachers. However, do not overdo it, to a point that it might be troublesome and difficult for them to follow.
  
• Adjust your tone of voice and speed when speaking. The students will try to imitate your way of speaking.
  
• You can do the slower version of the small talk. Then, later the normal version of it.
  
• The sentences should be related to your topic or lesson for the day.
  
• Sentences should be simple and easy for the students to follow.

What are the abilities expected from the ALTs in doing the Small Talk?

To execute a good “Small Talk” as part of the English Lessons for the students, there are certain abilities and guidelines that an ALT should remember. We will share these following points on how to make sure that you are performing a good “Small Talk.”

Good Pronunciation/Enunciation

The students will be imitating the modelled dialogue. That is why it is important that the ALTs and HRTs/JTEs perform it carefully. The proper pronunciation and enunciation of the words, phrases and sentences will be very helpful to help the students know the tone on how to say the sentence structure in different scenarios.

Acting Skills

Your acting skills as ALTs are very much appreciated during “Small Talk.” This usually serve as a warm- up for the students to switch their minds into thinking in English. It is ideal if you could give them a time to have fun before going through the whole lesson.

Creativity in doing dialogue scenarios

In doing scenarios, it will be more fun for the whole class if you include a pinch of creativity on it. Create a funny or comedic dialogue scenarios in which the student would find it interesting, and it will also encourage their creativity in making their own “Small Talks.”