Small Talk, Big Impact: Tips for Terrific Small Talk – Part 5
Hello, sports fans! Today we hike our way through the exciting world of sports and leisure. This realm of conversation is not only about sharing scores or favourite teams; it’s about connecting through shared interests, discussing hobbies, and sharing experiences related to personal and recreational activities.
Why Talk About Sports and Leisure?
Sports and leisure activities are a universal aspect of human experience, transcending cultural and linguistic boundaries. They offer a rich vein of content for conversation, from discussing the latest football match to sharing experiences of a recent hiking trip.
Key Vocabulary for Sports and Leisure Conversations
- Athletic (adjective) [æθˈletɪk] – Related to sports, physical exercises, or physical skill.
- Example: “She’s very athletic and participates in several sports teams at school.”
- Team (noun) [tiːm] – A group of players forming one side in a competitive game or sport.
- Example: “My favourite football team is playing tonight; are you watching the game?”
- Workout (noun) [ˈwɜːrk.aʊt] – A session of vigorous physical exercise or training.
- Example: “I had a tough workout at the gym this morning; it felt great!”
- Leisure (noun) [ˈleʒ.ər] – Free time when one is not working or attending to other duties.
- Example: “I enjoy reading and gardening in my leisure time.”
- Hiking (noun) [ˈhaɪ.kɪŋ] – The activity of going for long walks, especially cross country or in the woods.
- Example: “We’re planning a hiking trip next weekend; the trails are supposed to be beautiful.”
- Championship (noun) [ˈtʃæm.pi.ən.ʃɪp] – A competition to find the best team or player in a particular sport.
- Example: “The national basketball championship is coming up, and I can’t wait to see who wins.”
- Fitness (noun) [ˈfɪt.nəs] – The condition of being physically fit and healthy.
- Example: “My fitness goal this year is to run a marathon.”
- Recreation (noun) [ˌrek.rɪˈeɪ.ʃən] – Activity done for enjoyment when one is not working.
- Example: “Camping is one of my favourite recreation activities; it’s so relaxing.”
- Compete (verb) [kəmˈpiːt] – To take part in a contest or game.
- Example: “She competes in swimming competitions at the national level.”
- Fan (noun) [fæn] – A person who has a strong interest in or admiration for a particular sport, art form, or famous person.
- Example: “I’m a huge fan of tennis; I never miss a match during the Grand Slams.”
Engaging Questions to Ask About Sports and Leisure
- “What sports do you enjoy watching or playing?”
- “Do you have any favourite teams or athletes?”
- “What leisure activities do you find most relaxing?”
- “How often do you get time for your hobbies and leisure activities?”
Example Conversation:
Jordan: Did you watch the championship match last night? It was really exciting!
Taylor: No, I missed it. I was at my workout class during the game. I’m trying to improve my fitness for a marathon next month. Are you into any sports?
Jordan: Yeah, I’m quite athletic. I play football with a local team every weekend. It’s more than just a game for me; it’s a way to stay active and socialize. How about you? What do you like to do in your leisure time?
Taylor: I enjoy recreational activities that connect me with nature, like hiking and bird-watching. It’s peaceful and gives me a break from the busy city life.
Jordan: That sounds nice. I’ve always wanted to try hiking. I usually spend my leisure time playing sports or watching games. I’m a big fan of basketball and football.
Taylor: Being a fan must be fun, especially during big games. I don’t compete in sports, but I understand the excitement. Maybe we could go on a hiking trip together? I can show you some great trails.
Jordan: I’d like that! It would be a good change from my usual workouts. Let’s plan for it next weekend.
Talking about sports and leisure in English can open up a myriad of conversation avenues, from detailed discussions on specific games to sharing personal experiences in various activities. These conversations not only enrich your small talk repertoire but also build deeper connections with others who share your interests.
Before you go, talk about what kind of fan you are in the comments below. And give yourself a good workout by trying the quiz below!
#1. What does ‘workout’ refer to?
#2. What does ‘fitness’ refer to?
#3. What is ‘recreation’?
#4. What does it mean to ‘compete’?
#5. What does ‘leisure’ mean?
#6. What is ‘hiking’?
#7. What does ‘athletic’ mean?
#8. What is a ‘team’?
#9. What is a ‘championship’?
#10. Who is a ‘fan’?
Results
