The moment

Three short chats from one Friday: a bus stop, the office kitchen, and the end of a gym class. Each one has a small bump. The bus is late, the coffee is gone, and Mia almost says the wrong name. Listen first, then take one side at a time. The goal is to answer without a long pause, because small talk dies in silence.

The conversation

EricMia
  1. Eric
  2. Mia
  3. Eric
  4. Mia
  5. Mia
  6. Eric
  7. Mia
  8. Eric
  9. Mia
  10. Eric
  11. Mia
  12. Eric

Words to know

a short comment: this bad thing happens often

wait a little; something is about to change

a joking thank-you for a small favor

a joke: the exercise was very hard

Check yourself

1What does Mia mean by "Give it five minutes"?
2Why does Mia call Eric "a hero"?
3How does Eric react when Mia uses the wrong name?

Practice · 4 min

Round one: repeat every line. Round two: mute Mia and say her lines in the gap. Round three: mute Eric. Keep your answers moving; a fast "Typical" sounds more natural than a slow perfect sentence.

  1. EricHas the number twelve come yet?
  2. MiaNot yet. It's ten minutes late.
  3. EricTypical. At least it's not raining.
  4. MiaGive it five minutes.
  5. MiaIs there any coffee left?
  6. EricSorry, I took the last cup. I'll make more.
  7. MiaYou're a hero. Any plans for the weekend?
  8. EricMy sister's visiting. We're going hiking, I think.
  9. MiaGreat class, Daniel. Oh, sorry. It's Eric, right?
  10. EricIt's fine. Daniel's the guy with the red towel.
  11. MiaRight. Are you coming next Friday?
  12. EricIf my legs still work, yes.

Say it today

Use it once in a real conversation before tomorrow. Out loud counts, even to yourself.