Saturday / February 28, 2026*
11:00 a.m.-12:00 noon ET / 9:00-10:00 a.m. MT
Presented by Jennifer Tong
*Registration closes February 25
Description
“Phatic communication” refers to “the nonreferential use of language to share feelings or establish a mood of sociability rather than to communicate information or ideas.” A subset of it is “small talk”. How do we support and foster warmth and good relations inside and outside of the ESL classroom? How do we practice ‘small talk’ with the students, and how do we teach students how to make small talk? This webinar will examine the importance of phatic communication and small talk, show ways of practising them with the students, and describe approaches and techniques of teaching small talk. Come and explore an integral element in any ESL class as well as to share your experience.
About the Presenter
Jennifer Tong. Jennifer has been the coordinator and a teacher of the ESL program at Parkway Forest Community Church since 2004. She is a TESL Ontario certified teacher and has taught LINC, at a private language school and a factory in the past. Her interests include Non-Western learning styles, reflective practice in ESL and mental health and immigrants. Jennifer currently teaches an Advanced class online, and is the Coordinator for SOCEM.
Recognized by TESL Ontario for PD hours.
SOCEM and CESLM are partnering to offer monthly webinars from February to May in 2026. Check out this poster for this webinar series.
- Webinars will be 60 minutes. Participants are welcome to stay longer for more Q&A after the official close.
- The registration fee to $10 per individual per webinar or $35 for all 4 of them.
- Capacity is limited to 30, so sign up today!
- If you cannot attend on the date of the webinar, please register to get the link to the recording.
