Making Small Talk While Waiting for a Meeting
Five minutes in the meeting room before things start — how to fill the waiting time confidently with small talk in English.
Tip: listen to the episode twice before you start the test. · Worksheet (PDF)
✓ To the comprehension testYou may also like
Comprehension test
Listen first, then answer. No penalties — every explanation points to the moment in the conversation.
In German, 'Chef' means boss. I mean my ___, Mr Falkenberg, our managing director.
Speaking of coffee — can I get you ___? We also have tea, if you prefer.
Transcript
Key phrases
Language notes
In this episode a sales manager bridges the waiting time before a meeting with a British visitor: journey, coffee, first time in Hamburg. You learn the classic small-talk formulas for hosting visitors (level B1) — and why "my chef" sounds like lunch in English.
The three safe small-talk topics
Before a meeting, three topics always work in English: the journey ("How was your journey?"), drinks ("Can I get you one?") and the location ("Is this your first visit to Hamburg?"). All three are safe, show hospitality and can be stretched or cut short as needed. Politics, salary and private life stay off limits — even more strictly in British business culture than in German.
The trap: the German "Chef" is not an English "chef"
Stefan says "My chef will join us", meaning his superior. In English, however, a "chef" is a cook — Emily's joke about lunch is the logical result. Correct options are "boss" (informal), "manager" (your direct superior) or the job title such as "managing director". Memory aid: if your English sentence contains a "chef", it should be about food.
Moving elegantly from small talk into the meeting
Two small phrases steer the conversation: "Speaking of …" links topics seamlessly (from airport coffee to the coffee offer), and "by the way" opens a new, casual topic. The move into business is marked by the standard question "Shall we get started?" — polite, clear, and the signal for everyone that small talk is over. Master these three hinges and you sound confident even with B1 English.
Keep practising: Learn business English online — with real teachers from Simmonds, since 2004.
Frequently asked questions
What language level is this episode for?
Level B1 (CEFR). The dialogue uses natural, friendly office small talk; the vocabulary list explains all eight key phrases bilingually.
Which small-talk questions work before a meeting?
The three classics: "Did you find us all right?", "How was your journey?" and "Is this your first visit to …?" — plus the drink offer "Can I get you a coffee?". All four are polite, safe and work with any visitor.
What is the English word for the German "Chef"?
"Boss" (informal), "manager" (your direct superior) or the specific title such as "managing director". The English word "chef" means only a cook — so "my chef" sounds like a restaurant kitchen, not a superior.
Is there a transcript to read along?
Yes, the full transcript with German support notes is on this page — listen first, then take the test, then read along.
Where can I practise small talk in English live?
In the online business English courses from Simmonds Language Services (englisch-lehrer.com/online): live lessons with real teachers on Zoom. Book a free consultation — serving companies and individuals across Germany since 2004.
Want to practise these phrases in a real conversation?
The podcast trains your ear — in our online lessons you practise the conversation yourself, with real teachers. For companies across Germany since 2004.