The fine art of Small Talk
Multiple choice exercise
Watch the video and choose the correct answer for each question.
The presenter says Debra believes ...........
- talking too little may be embarrassing for you.
- small talk can be rewarding.
- silence is golden.
The author Debra Fine says the art of small talk...........
- is a bit silly but useful.
- sounds silly and in fact it is.
- is not so silly as it is believed.
One consequence of having no small talk might be ...........
- to lose a job opportunity.
- to break your long-lasting relationship
- to feel uncomfortable with groups of people
Debra advises to ............
- be responsible for what you say.
- take the risk to talk about all kinds of things.
- make sure everybody feels comfortable at a conversation.
If you're not good at names ............
- don't hesitate to ask the other person to remind you.
- you should have strategies so as not to have to use that person's name.
- never admit yo have forgotten that person's name.
Using a nickname ............
- is a good way to start a conversation.
- may not be welcome by the other person.
- is only allowed if you know someone well.
To show an interest ............
- ask many questions but don't seem inquisitive.
- look sincere even though you're not interested in the response.
- you should ask more that just one question.
A good listener is a person who ............
- doesn't speak much at a conversation.
- shows an interest by using follow up questions.
- follows the conversation with interest nodding his/her head.
When you're with people you don't know very well ............
- try not to ask about their personal beliefs.
- you should contribute to the conversation with at least three topics.
- it's advisable to have some topics ready to talk about.
When talking to acquaintances ............
- be friendly but do not get too intimate.
- you will make people feel better if you give them some advice.
- ask personal questions to show you're interested.