Small talk in Spanish: how to start a business conversation well

You have a meeting with a Spanish-speaking client or colleague. After the greeting, you do not want to jump straight into the first slide or the agenda. It is often better to make some personal contact first.

But what do you talk about? And how do you avoid getting stuck for words when small talk is supposed to be the easy part of the meeting?

When it comes to small talk, it helps to have a few simple phrases ready to use.

Start simple

You do not need to think of an unusual or clever topic. A simple question often works best. The important thing is not to say something original. It is to create space for personal contact.

In many Spanish-speaking business environments, it can be useful to spend a little more time building the relationship before getting down to business.

You do not need to talk about everything under the sun. A few minutes of personal attention can help before you move on to prices, planning or contracts.

Compare these two openings:

Bueno, empezamos con la presentación.
Right, let’s start with the presentation.

and:

Me alegro de que por fin podamos conocernos en persona. ¿Qué tal ha ido el viaje?
I’m glad we can finally meet in person. How was your journey?

The second opening gives you more room to build a connection first.

Questions that can only be answered with sí or no can make small talk end quickly. Try asking questions that give the other person something more to talk about.

¿Cómo ha sido su experiencia trabajando con empresas internacionales?
What has your experience been like working with international companies?

¿Qué le ha parecido la conferencia hasta ahora?
What have you thought of the conference so far?

¿Cómo están las cosas en su sector en este momento?
How are things in your sector at the moment?

These questions keep the conversation professional while still creating space for a more personal connection.

Personal does not have to mean private

In a relaxed conversation, the tone can quickly become more personal. However, during a first meeting, it is usually better not to ask very private questions straight away.

Topics such as the journey, the city, food, sport, the event or someone’s professional background are often easier places to start.

Pay attention to tú and usted

The way you address someone also matters during small talk. In a more formal business situation, usted is often the safer choice.

The most suitable form depends on the country, organisation, generation and situation. If you start formally, you can always become more informal later.

Show that you are listening

Small talk is not only about asking questions. Short responses can make the conversation sound much more natural.

At some point, you will want to move on to the business discussion. You can make the transition smoothly with phrases such as:

Bueno, si le parece, podemos empezar.
Right, if that works for you, we can get started.

Quizá podemos pasar al tema de hoy.
Perhaps we can move on to today’s topic.

Me gustaría contarle un poco más sobre…
I’d like to tell you a little more about…