Small talk at the office might seem simple, but it is full of pronunciation traps. Words like "colleague," "schedule," and "comfortable" trip up even advanced English learners. The problem is not your vocabulary; it is how these everyday words actually sound in natural American English speech. Many of these words have silent letters, reduced syllables, or stress patterns that differ from what the spelling suggests.
This guide covers the key words and phrases you need for smooth workplace conversations, from Monday morning greetings to Friday afternoon plans. For each word, you will find the correct IPA transcription, the number of syllables (which is often fewer than you think), and tips for sounding natural.
Greetings and Openers
Every workday starts with greetings. These are the first words your coworkers hear from you, so getting them right sets the tone for confident communication.
The word colleague /ˈkɑːliːɡ/ has two syllables: KAH-leeg. Many learners add a third syllable or stress the wrong part. The stress falls on the first syllable, and the second syllable has a long /iː/ sound. Think of it as "KAH-leeg," not "koh-LEE-goo" or "koh-LEE-gyoo."
The word schedule /ˈskedʒuːl/ is pronounced with two syllables in American English: SKEJ-ool. This is different from the British pronunciation /ˈʃedjuːl/ (SHED-yool). In American offices, always use the /sk/ beginning. The word starts with the same sound as "skeleton" or "skill."
The word calendar /ˈkæləndər/ has three syllables: KAL-en-der. The middle syllable is a weak schwa /ə/, and the final syllable also contains a schwa. Do not pronounce it as "ka-LEN-dar" with stress on the second syllable.
The word meeting /ˈmiːtɪŋ/ is straightforward, but pay attention to the final /ŋ/ sound. It is not /n/. Your tongue should touch the back of your palate, not the front. Also, in casual American English, the /t/ in "meeting" often becomes a flap /ɾ/, sounding more like "meeding."
Weekend and Plans Talk
"What did you do this weekend?" is probably the most common small talk question in any office. Here are the words you will need to answer naturally.
The word weekend /ˌwiːkˈɛnd/ has stress on the second syllable: week-END. Many learners put equal stress on both syllables, but in American English, the second syllable is slightly stronger. In the question "How was your weekend?" the word often gets reduced to something like /wiːˈkɛnd/.
The word restaurant /ˈrɛstərɑːnt/ has only two or three syllables in natural speech: REST-rahnt or REST-er-ahnt. The middle syllable is often dropped entirely. Never pronounce all four syllables as "res-TAU-ran-tee."
The word recommend /ˌrekəˈmend/ has three syllables with stress on the last: rek-uh-MEND. The first syllable has a short /ɛ/ vowel, and the second syllable reduces to a schwa.
The word definitely /ˈdefɪnətli/ has only three syllables in natural speech: DEF-in-ut-lee. One of the most common spelling mistakes in English is writing "definately," and many learners mispronounce it the same way. There is no /eɪ/ sound in this word. It is DEF-in-it-lee, not "def-in-ATE-lee."
The word probably /ˈprɑːbəbli/ also reduces in natural speech. Formally it has three syllables (PRAH-buh-blee), but Americans often say it as two syllables: "PRAH-blee." Both are acceptable, but never add a fourth syllable.
The word actually /ˈæktʃuəli/ has four syllables: AK-choo-uh-lee. The /tʃ/ combination (like the "ch" in "church") is important here. Many learners say "ak-TOO-ah-lee" without the /tʃ/ sound.
Weather Talk
Weather is the safest small talk topic in any culture, and American offices are no exception. "Can you believe this weather?" is a conversation starter you will hear year-round. Here are the key words to master.
The word temperature /ˈtemprətʃər/ has only three syllables in natural speech: TEM-pruh-cher. Most learners try to say four syllables ("tem-PER-ah-ture"), but the second syllable is almost entirely swallowed. The final part sounds like "-cher," not "-chur" or "-tyoor."
The word humidity /hjuːˈmɪdəti/ has four syllables: hyoo-MID-uh-tee. The stress is on the second syllable. The initial /hj/ combination is important; it is not just "oo-MID-ity" but starts with a soft "h" sound before the /juː/.
The word forecast /ˈfɔːrkæst/ has two syllables: FOR-kast. The stress is on the first syllable, and the second syllable has the /æ/ vowel (like "cat").
The word gorgeous /ˈɡɔːrdʒəs/ has two syllables: GOR-jus. The /dʒ/ sound (like the "j" in "judge") appears in the middle. This word is very common in weather small talk: "It's gorgeous outside today!"
The word freezing /ˈfriːzɪŋ/ has two syllables: FREE-zing. Make sure to voice the /z/ sound (not /s/). Americans use "freezing" very casually: "It's freezing in here!" can mean anything from actually below zero to just a bit chilly.
Work-Related Small Talk
Sometimes small talk edges into actual work topics. You might casually mention a deadline or ask about a project without getting into the details. These words come up constantly in workplace conversations.
The word deadline /ˈdɛdlaɪn/ has two syllables: DED-line. The stress is on the first syllable. The first vowel is /ɛ/ (like "bed"), not /iː/ (like "deed").
The word project /ˈprɑːdʒekt/ as a noun has stress on the first syllable: PRAH-jekt. As a verb ("to project"), the stress shifts to the second syllable: /prəˈdʒekt/ (pruh-JEKT). In small talk, you will almost always use the noun form.
The word presentation /ˌprezənˈteɪʃən/ has four syllables: prez-en-TAY-shun. The stress falls on the third syllable. Notice the /z/ sound in the first syllable, not /s/.
The word conference /ˈkɑːnfərəns/ has three syllables: KON-fer-ens. The stress is on the first syllable, and the second and third syllables are weak with schwa sounds. Do not say "kon-FER-ens" with stress on the second syllable.
The word hierarchy /ˈhaɪəˌrɑːrki/ has four syllables: HY-uh-rar-kee. This is a tricky word because the spelling suggests three syllables, but there are actually four. The stress is on the first syllable.
The word collaborate /kəˈlæbəˌreɪt/ has four syllables: kuh-LAB-uh-rayt. The stress is on the second syllable. The first syllable reduces to a schwa, and the last syllable has the /eɪ/ diphthong.
Tricky Reduced Forms in Small Talk
One of the biggest challenges in workplace small talk is that native speakers rarely pronounce every word clearly. Common phrases get reduced, blended, and shortened in predictable ways. If you learn these reduced forms, you will both understand native speakers better and sound more natural yourself.
Here are the most common small talk phrases and how they actually sound in fast, natural speech:
| Full Form | What It Sounds Like | IPA (Reduced) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| How's it going? | "howzit goin?" | /ˌhaʊzɪt ˈɡoʊɪn/ | The "is" merges with "how" and the final /ŋ/ often becomes /n/. |
| What do you do? | "whadda ya do?" | /ˈwɑːɾə jə ˈduː/ | "What do" becomes "whadda" and "you" reduces to "ya." |
| Nice to meet you. | "nice ta meetcha" | /ˈnaɪs tə ˈmiːtʃə/ | "to" reduces to "ta" and "meet you" blends into "meetcha." |
| I've got to go. | "I gotta go" | /aɪ ˈɡɑːɾə ˈɡoʊ/ | "Have got to" reduces to "gotta" in casual speech. |
| What are you up to? | "whatcha up to?" | /ˈwɑːtʃə ˌʌp ˈtuː/ | "What are you" blends into "whatcha." |
Important note: You do not need to use these reduced forms yourself, especially in formal settings. But you absolutely need to recognize them. When a coworker says "howzit goin," they are asking "How is it going?" and expecting a casual response like "Good, you?" or "Not bad, how about you?"
Common Responses and Reactions
Small talk is a two-way street. You also need to respond naturally. Here are the words that come up most in reactions and responses at work.
The word absolutely /ˌæbsəˈluːtli/ has four syllables: ab-suh-LOOT-lee. The stress is on the third syllable. This is a very common enthusiastic response: "Absolutely!" means a strong "yes."
The word unfortunately /ʌnˈfɔːrtʃənətli/ has five syllables: un-FOR-chuh-nut-lee. The stress is on the second syllable. The /tʃ/ combination appears again here (like "church"). This word is useful for delivering bad news politely: "Unfortunately, the meeting has been canceled."
The word congratulations /kənˌɡrætʃəˈleɪʃənz/ has five syllables: kun-grach-uh-LAY-shunz. The stress falls on the fourth syllable. Notice the /tʃ/ sound in the second syllable; it is not "kon-grat-yoo-LAY-shunz." In casual speech, people often shorten it to "congrats" /kənˈɡræts/.
The word appreciate /əˈpriːʃiˌeɪt/ has four syllables: uh-PREE-shee-ayt. The stress is on the second syllable. The /ʃ/ sound (like "sh") appears in the middle. This is a professional way to say thanks: "I really appreciate your help."
Bonus: Tricky Day and Month Names
Small talk often involves dates, and some day and month names have surprising pronunciations.
The word Wednesday /ˈwenzdeɪ/ has only two syllables: WENZ-day. The first "d" is completely silent. Never say "Wed-NES-day" with three syllables.
The word February /ˈfebjuˌeri/ has three syllables: FEB-yoo-air-ee. Many Americans drop the first "r" entirely. You will rarely hear anyone say "FEB-roo-air-ee" in casual conversation.
The word comfortable /ˈkʌmftərbəl/ has only three syllables in natural American speech: KUMF-ter-bul. The second syllable ("or" in the spelling) almost completely disappears. Saying four full syllables ("kom-FOR-tuh-bul") sounds unnatural.
Practice: A Water Cooler Conversation
Here is a typical workplace small talk exchange. Read it out loud, paying attention to the bolded words and their correct pronunciation. Try to use the reduced forms where they appear in parentheses.
Alex: Hey, good morning! How's it going? (howzit goin?)
Jordan: Not bad, not bad. How about you?
Alex: Pretty good! Did you have a good weekend /ˌwiːkˈɛnd/?
Jordan: Yeah, actually /ˈæktʃuəli/, we tried that new restaurant /ˈrɛstərɑːnt/ on Main Street. I definitely /ˈdefɪnətli/ recommend /ˌrekəˈmend/ it.
Alex: Oh nice, I'll have to check it out. What do you do on weekends usually? (whadda ya do?)
Jordan: I probably /ˈprɑːbəbli/ go out to eat too much, honestly. Hey, did you see the forecast /ˈfɔːrkæst/? The temperature /ˈtemprətʃər/ is supposed to be gorgeous /ˈɡɔːrdʒəs/ this week.
Alex: Absolutely /ˌæbsəˈluːtli/! Finally not freezing /ˈfriːzɪŋ/ anymore. Oh, by the way, congratulations /kənˌɡrætʃəˈleɪʃənz/ on the presentation /ˌprezənˈteɪʃən/ yesterday. It was great.
Jordan: Thanks, I appreciate /əˈpriːʃiˌeɪt/ it! Our whole team had to collaborate /kəˈlæbəˌreɪt/ on that one. Anyway, I've got to go (I gotta go), I have a meeting /ˈmiːtɪŋ/ at ten. Let me check my schedule /ˈskedʒuːl/... yeah, I've got to go. Talk later!
Alex: See you! Have a good one.
Quick Reference Table
| Word | IPA | Syllables | Common Mistake |
|---|---|---|---|
| colleague | /ˈkɑːliːɡ/ | 2 | Adding a third syllable |
| schedule | /ˈskedʒuːl/ | 2 | Using British "SHED-yool" |
| calendar | /ˈkæləndər/ | 3 | Stressing the second syllable |
| definitely | /ˈdefɪnətli/ | 4 | Saying "def-in-ATE-lee" |
| probably | /ˈprɑːbəbli/ | 3 | Adding a fourth syllable |
| actually | /ˈæktʃuəli/ | 4 | Missing the /tʃ/ sound |
| temperature | /ˈtemprətʃər/ | 3 | Saying four syllables |
| comfortable | /ˈkʌmftərbəl/ | 3 | Saying four syllables |
| Wednesday | /ˈwenzdeɪ/ | 2 | Pronouncing the first "d" |
| February | /ˈfebjuˌeri/ | 3 | Pronouncing both r's |
| hierarchy | /ˈhaɪəˌrɑːrki/ | 4 | Only saying three syllables |
| collaborate | /kəˈlæbəˌreɪt/ | 4 | Stressing the first syllable |
| congratulations | /kənˌɡrætʃəˈleɪʃənz/ | 5 | Missing the /tʃ/ sound |
| appreciate | /əˈpriːʃiˌeɪt/ | 4 | Using /s/ instead of /ʃ/ |
| unfortunately | /ʌnˈfɔːrtʃənətli/ | 5 | Missing the /tʃ/ sound |
| absolutely | /ˌæbsəˈluːtli/ | 4 | Stressing the first syllable |
| gorgeous | /ˈɡɔːrdʒəs/ | 2 | Hard /ɡ/ instead of /dʒ/ |
| recommend | /ˌrekəˈmend/ | 3 | Stressing the first syllable |
Tips for Better Office Small Talk
- Listen for reduced forms. When you hear something that sounds like gibberish, it is probably a reduced phrase. "Howzit goin" is not slang; it is just fast, natural speech.
- Count syllables. Many of the trickiest words in this guide have fewer syllables than you expect. Practice "temperature" (3), "comfortable" (3), and "Wednesday" (2) until the reduced forms feel natural.
- Match the energy. Small talk is not about perfect grammar. It is about connection. A warm "How's it going?" with natural pronunciation beats a perfectly grammatical but stiff "How are you doing today?"
- Practice the /tʃ/ pattern. Notice how many workplace words contain the /tʃ/ sound: actually, unfortunately, congratulations, temperature, schedule, naturally. If you master this sound, you will improve many words at once.
- Do not be afraid of "I gotta go." Reduced forms like "gotta," "wanna," and "gonna" are not incorrect English. They are natural casual speech. Use them in small talk situations (though not in formal presentations or emails).