Small Talk

Purpose of having small talk  Small Talk Creates a Friendly Atmosphere  Small Talk Allows for an Informal Exchange of Basic Information

Topics  The last film you saw  Pets  The music  A magazine  Learning a language  Your current job  An interesting excursion nearby  The Internet  Keeping healthy  The weather  Your favorite food  Finding a job in your country  The last book you read  Trip to the meeting  Something you've never done, but would like to do

Do's and Don'ts For Making Small Talk Do:  Make sure people are interested in a topic before talking too much about it.  Stick to upbeat subjects.  Balance the amount of talking and listening.  Find out what other people enjoy discussing.  Be willing to talk about subjects that you know little about.  Reintroduce yourself to an old acquaintance.

Don't:  Indulge in endless shop talk or industry gossip when non-industry people are Present.  Gossip about the other guests.  Stay in one area or speak only to one person.  Look over a person's shoulder as you talk to him or her.  Make negative snap judgments about the people you meet.  Expect other people to carry the conversation.

Ten Steps to Mastering Small Talk 1. Before the Event, Identify Several Interests and Experiences That You Are Willing to Discuss 2. Search for Individuals Who Seem Receptive 3. Establish Eye Contact and Smile to Send Receptive Signals 4. Be the First to Introduce Yourself and Ask an Easy, Open-Ended Question 5. Listen Carefully for the Other Person's Name and Use It in the Conversation

6. Listen Carefully for Facts, Feelings, Key Words, Free Information, and Implied Statements 7. Disclose Some of Your Background, Interests, and Experiences 8. Explore the Other Person's Interests by Encouraging Him or Her to Talk 9. Highlight Mutual Interests 10. Restate Something You Found Interesting in the Conversation and End with an Invitation to Meet Again

Weather 1. How is the weather? 2. What's it like out? 3. Do you have rain? 4. What's the temperature there? 1. It's ten below. (-10 degrees) 2. It's miserable out. 3. We haven't had a drop of rain for weeks. 4. It's 22 degrees Celsius. (Fahrenheit)

A: "Hi. My name is Josh. It ’ s a pleasure to meet you." B: "Hi Josh. I ’ m glad to be here." A: "Did you have any problems finding this place." B: "I didn ’ t have any problems. I found directions on the internet so it was pretty easy to find. However, the traffic was not that great." A: "Traffic is never good around here."

B: "I agree. It would be great if there was a train or a subway line that went through here." A: "That would be so great. I would definitely take the train if they had it." B: "Trains are great because you can read a book or get a little rest instead of having to fight the traffic." A: "Very true. Well, let me begin by telling you about our company."

Socializing To hold social conversation with business contacts

In the car A: Is this your first visit to Kaohisung? B: Yes. And I would love to take a tour of the city, I heard that this is a beautiful city. A: Yes, it is a beautiful city indeed and I would be more than happy to show you around. B: That sounds fantastic! By the way, is there a good restaurant here?

A: Yes, there are many fine restaurants in Kaohsiung. B: Oh.. I can ’ t wait to try some of the exotic foods.

In the restaurant Server: The wine list, sir. Kevin: Thank you. Let ’ s see. What kind of wine do you like, Paul? Paul: I prefer white. Kevin: Do you like it dry? Paul: Yes, I do.

Terms used to indicate sweetness of wine  Dry  Medium dry  Medium sweet  Sweet  Note: White wines go with white meat. Red wines go with red meat.

Menu sections  Appetizers  Soups and Salads  Entrees  Desserts  Beverages

Ways to order  I ’ ll have the Caesar salad.  Salmon for me. What about you, John?  I would like the duck.  Mushroom soup, please and I would like the vegetable lasagna to follow.  What do you suggest?

 Would you like  Do you want  How about  a … ? (cake)  some … ? (wine, grapes)

How to find out about your client ’ s interests? 1. What kind/type of 2. Do you 1. books/movies/music do you like? 2. play squash rackets? go cycling? do aerobics?

 How often do you  entertain customers or clients?  use English at work?  work overtime?  attend meetings?  travel overseas on business?  go jogging?

How good is your social English?

1. Hello. How are you? a) I ’ m very fine, thank you. b) Not too bad. c) Fine, thanks. How are you?

2. Did you have a good trip? a) Yes, thanks. b) Yes, of course. c) Well, I had a few problems.

3. Would you like a tour of the factory? a) Yes, I will. b) Yes, I would. c) No.

4. Do you want to buy some? a) Well, I am interesting. b) Well, I am interested. c) Yes, I want.

5. Why are you learning English? a) For talking to my customers. b) For to talk to my customers. c) To talk to my customers.

6. Is Thursday convenient? a) What means convenient? b) What does convenient mean? c) Could you explain me convenient?

7. I am sorry about that. a) You ’ re welcome. b) No problem. c) Don ’ t worry about it.

8. Thank you very much. a) It doesn ’ t matter. b) You ’ re welcome. c) It was a pleasure.