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Small talk quiz

Are the following statements TRUE or FALSE?

1. It is common to use small talk when you are waiting in a long line-up.

2. Religion is a “safe” topic when making small talk.

3. It is rude for both children and adults not to make small talk with strangers.

4. It is inappropriate to make small talk with your mailman.

5. Sport is not a safe topic when making small talk.

6. One should never compliment another person’s clothes in order to make small talk.

7. Politics is a controversial subject according to society.

8. It is common to discuss the weather in an elevator.

9. It is rude to interrupt a conversation in order to make small talk.

10. One reason people use small talk is to eliminate an uncomfortable silence.

Talking point

HIGH CONTEXT CULTURES: People from high context cultures believe that you need to get to know the other person before you can do business with them. So you begin by discussing general points and them move on to the specific detail of the business deal.

LOW CONTEXT CULTURES: in low context cultures, business comes first. You might discuss other things with your business partner, but only if there is enough time at the end of the meeting!

1) Do you think your own culture is a HIGH CONTEXT or LOW CONTEXT culture?

Discuss your own culture and other cultures you or your fellow learners have visited.

2) SMALL TALK is what we call the non-serious conversations between people in social situations. The purpose of small talk is to get to know and develop confidence in the other person.

3) Are the following topics suitable as small talk at a business lunch or dinner?

Mark the topics as safe, dangerous or very dangerous.

Cars, traffic and transport

Children (your or your business partner’s sons and daughters)

Clothes and fashion

Computers and new technology.

Corruption in your business partner’s national government.

Films which you or your business partner have seen.

Food

Football (or any other sport)

Global warming, pollution and other environmental topics

International politics

Marriage (your or your business partner’s husband or wife)

Religion (your or your business partner’s beliefs and religious practices)

The salary or wage you or your business partner receive for working.

The weather in your or your business partner’s country.

Travel and places you or your business partner have visited.

Wars between your country and your business partner’s country

Your hobbies (e.g. gardening, dress-making, shopping)

Your or your business partner’s political beliefs or political party membership

4) The purpose of small talk is to make the other person feel good about themselves and to show that you are interested in their lives. But your interest must never invade their privacy. Part of the skill of small talk is to keep the conversation developing.

Read what a business person says in italics and then choose the most suitable response from the visitor.

1) I’ve just bought a Toyota Classic 3900.

A) Really? I’ve heard that is a terrible car.

B) Really? How much did you pay for it?

C) Really? Will you buy one for me?

D) Really? Are you pleased with it?

2) My son has just gone to university.

A) Really? What is he studying?

B) You must be pleased to get rid of him.

C) I don’t believe you!

D) How can you afford to pay for him?

3) I enjoy collecting old books.

A) I prefer collecting old motorbikes.

B) I’m sure my old books are better than yours.

C) I think old books are boring.

D) That’s fascinating. What kind of books do you like?

4) Our national team will be in the World Cup if we beat Bolivia on Friday.

A) Bolivia has a good team. I’m sure you will lose.

B) Bolivia has a good team. I’m sure it will be an interesting game.

C) Bolivia has a terrible team. Anyone can beat Bolivia!

D) Do you really want to be in the World Cup?

5) I’m afraid I have a bad cold.

A) I know someone who died from a bad cold.

B) Keep away from me! I don’t want to catch it.

C) That’s very bad luck. But thank you for coming to the meeting.

D) That’s nothing. I’ve got pneumonia!

6) I’m afraid it’s raining.

A) Yes, you really have a bad climate in this country.

B) Don’t worry, a little rain won’t hurt me.

C) I hope it won’t get any worse than this.

D) We usually have good weather in my country.

5) Compare your choices of the most suitable responses with another learner. Look back at the responses you did not choose. Why were those responses not suitable?