Making Small Talk While Waiting
You strike up a brief, light conversation with the person in front or behind you, perhaps about the weather, the gym, or the park.
Dialogue
Listen and follow along with the conversation
Vocabulary
Essential words and phrases from the dialogue
parched
Very thirsty, like your mouth and throat are dry. Use it when you really need water after exercise.
hydrated
Having enough water in your body. It's important to say this when talking about staying healthy in hot weather.
crazy
Unusual or extreme, like wild weather. People use it casually to express surprise about something unexpected.
sweat out
To lose water through sweating a lot during exercise. It's a common phrase for describing how tired or dehydrated you feel after working out.
spin class
A group exercise class using stationary bikes, like indoor cycling. Mention it when talking about gym activities.
lifesaver
Something that saves you in a difficult situation, like a water fountain when you're thirsty. Use it to show big thanks for help.
workout
A session of physical exercise. It's a general term for any gym or fitness activity.
hold up
To delay someone. Say 'I won't hold you up' politely when ending a conversation to not waste their time.
Key Sentences
Important phrases to remember and practice
Excuse me, do you mind if I just grab some water quickly?
This is a polite way to ask permission to go first. Use 'do you mind if' for requests; it's useful in lines to be courteous. 'Grab' means to take quickly.
No problem at all! Go right ahead.
A friendly response to allow someone to go first. 'Go right ahead' means proceed without delay. Great for small talk in public to show you're helpful.
Thanks so much! This weather has been crazy.
Express strong thanks and comment on weather to start small talk. 'Crazy' adds casual emphasis. Use this pattern for light conversations about shared experiences.
Tell me about it.
Means 'I agree completely' or 'I know exactly what you mean.' It's a common idiomatic response in casual chats, especially about complaints like hot weather.
I just finished my run and feel like I've sweat out half my body weight!
Describes exhaustion after exercise humorously. 'Feel like' expresses a strong feeling. Useful for sharing workout stories to build rapport.
This water fountain is a lifesaver right now.
Shows something is extremely helpful in the moment. 'Right now' adds urgency. Say this when thanking for basic needs like water during activities.
I won't hold you up any longer. Have a good rest of your day!
Politely ends the conversation. 'Hold you up' means delay; 'rest of your day' wishes well for the remaining time. Perfect for wrapping up short interactions.
You too! Stay cool.
Mirrors a goodbye wish and adds advice for hot weather. 'You too' agrees reciprocally. Use 'stay cool' casually in summer settings to end on a positive note.