Reading Improvement

Assignment 1. Look at the article’s headline – “How to Make Small Talk” – and write out 10 words used in the article the meaning of which you can guess from the context.

How to Make Small Talk

Making small talk with people you don't know well, such as your boss or a blind date, can be nerve-wracking especially if you want to make a good impression.

Making small talk doesn't have to be painful, even if it's with a boss you want to impress or blind date you want to see a lot more of! Believe it or not, making small talk can be fun – even for quiet personality types. Making small talk is also an art that can be learned.

"So…how about this weather?" doesn't often lead to stimulating dialogue (but don't hesitate to use it if you're desperate). If you must make small talk about the weather, be specific. Say, "It's freezing cold outside – have you ever heard that saying, 'colder than … ? Where did that come from, anyway?" might work better, depending on who you're talking to.

Making small talk can be difficult even if you're an extrovert, but it's especially difficult for introverts. Here's how to enjoy making small talk.

1. Keep up with current events. Make small talk about the news, sports, your community, or politics (unless politics is too controversial. On second thought, that can generate some pretty fiery dialogues!)

2. Comment on a piece of clothing or accessory. Ask where it came from, what the significance is, how much it cost (just kidding). Making small talk is about being observant about people you don't know well.

3. Pay attention to what they're saying. When you're making small talk, follow up on phrases; for instance, if they say they're "excellent", ask why – ask where you can get some. If they mention that they're exhausted, follow up on it. When you're making small talk, remember that great conversations and good connections can be just around the corner.

4. Share an anecdote about your day. Did you lose your keys or find $10? Maybe you ate at a new restaurant recently, or found a great new CD. Making small talk is about sharing the little things.

5. Ask what movies or books they've seen or read recently. Someone once asked me that at a party. Admittedly, at first it felt contrived, but then we had a fantastic conversation about the book I was reading! Making small talk is about trying new conversations.

6. Talk about TV. Share your favourite TV shows – whether it's Oprah's revelation of The Secret or your favourite sitcom. If you're Canadian, Little Mosque on the Prairie might be interesting to discuss! Making small talk about pop culture is easy and fun.

7. Recall your past conversations with the same person. Ask if their son is still ill or how the Mexican holiday went. Making small talk is easier when your memory is good.

8. Ask open-ended questions that require an explanation. For instance, "How are you?" isn't as effective as "Whatever happened with 'XXX' you were dealing with?" ('XXX' could be a business deal, family problem, or financial investment) Remember that anything is a potential topic of conversation. You can even talk about how uncomfortable you are making small talk – and ask them how they do it.

9. Relax. Enjoy yourself. People are interesting! If you combine these tips for making small talk with sincere interest, you'll embark on a fascinating conversational ride.

10. Let it go. If the conversation feels like dragging a piano uphill then it may be time to move on or let silence take over. You can't connect with everyone, and some conversations simply refuse to take life! Making small talk involves knowing when it's time to move on.

after Laurie Pawlik-Kienlen

Assignment 2. Mark whether these sentences are true (T) or false (F).

1.	Making small talk is an art that can’t be learned.	T / F
2.	We shouldn’t make small talk about politics.	T / F
3.	You can’t talk about how uncomfortable you are making small talk.	T / F
4.	Making small talk is about sharing little things from our daily life.	T / F
5.	When we comment on a piece of clothing or accessory, it’s polite to ask where it came from and how much it cost.	T / F
6.	Anything is a potential topic of conversation.	T / F
7.	We should never ever speak discuss the weather.	T / F
8.	Making small talk is easier when your memory is good.	T / F

Assignment 3. Match the following phrases from the article (sometimes more than one combination is possible).

1.	ads will	a. start screening
2.	kitted out	b. tack
3.	overflowing	c. absent
4.	exude	d. the move
5.	conspicuously	e. with vitality
6.	jettison traditional images	f. conscious message
7.	get on	g. energy and fitness
8.	change of	h. of blame
9.	health	i. of cholesterol-laden fries
10.	reduce the burden	j. in a more figure-hugging jumpsuit

1.4. Writing Enhancement

Assignment 7. Read the profile of Derek Stirling and then write another profile about yourself (you may need to invent information about yourself as a member of your virtual company). Use the topics below to help you:

· Name

· Nationality

· Home town

· Company

· Position in the company

· Responsibilities

· Hobbies

My name is Derek Stirling and I'm Scottish. I live in Hadlow, a lovely English village near London, and I work for The Swire Group, Britain's largest private company. The Group's activities are divided into five business areas: shipping, aviation, property, industries, and trading. Our best-known company is Cathay Pacific Airways. I work at our London head office; I'm head of Corporate Finance, and I'm responsible for developing the business of the Group. I'm always very busy and I don't have much free time, but when I do, I like fishing and I grow my own vegetables, just for fun.

Date: 2015-01-29; view: 1118

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