Read the passage and answer in your own words the questions that follow:
An important aspect of socializing is 'Small Talk’; an informal conversation about things that are not important but establish your goodwill towards the other person and allows you to get to know him/her better. Light casual conversation or small talk happens all the time between casual acquaintances, people travelling together on the same bus or train, people you meet in the course of your work, etc. The difference between socialising and chatting with your friends is that you have known your friends for a long time and can be open with them while small talk is made with people you may not know at all or know slightly. Therefore, while socializing you have to be careful about the topics you choose to talk about. Avoid subjects that can lead to offence and do not ask probing personal questions (about age, salary or marital status, for instance).
Normally the conversation arises from the immediate surroundings: the weather, buildings and places, hotels, arrivals and departures, meals, entertainment, the news of the day, etc. Very often the topics flow from the conversational context. The answers to questions and the comments that follow can provide a lead to the next topic. When someone makes small talk with you, do not give only monosyllabic 'Yes' or No' answers. Add an opinion but be sensitive to the views of the other person too.
Another important aspect of small talk is ‘the timing’ i.e. how long should you carry on with it. The simple answer is not too long, particularly in a formal or business situation. One should not wait for the guest to signal that it is time for work or start giving cues such as looking at some papers or their watch or flipping open the file or a briefcase.
1a State whether the following statements are True or False:
i Small talk does not help in socializing.
ii It is not proper to ask probing question when you met new people.
iii Small talk does not require you to express your opinion.
iv In formal situations, small talk takes a lot of time.
v People indicate that it is time to stop talking by looking at their watches.
1b Answer the following questions briefly in your own words:
i What is the aim of small talk ?
ii Why do you think subjects that give offence should be avoided during socializing?
iii Mention one difference between chatting and small talk.
iv Why are simple 'Yes' or No' answers not suitable during small talk?
v List at least five topics that are safe for small talk.
1c Make sentences of the following words / phrases from the passage:
i establish your goodwill
ii informal conversation
iii casual acquaintance
iv probing personal question
v marital status
1a
i Small talk does not help in socializing. - False
ii It is not proper to ask probing question when you met new people. - True
iii Small talk does not require you to express your opinion. - False
iv In formal situations, small talk takes a lot of time. - False
v People indicate that it is time to stop talking by looking at their watches. - True
1b.
i. Aim of small talk is little useful, it is but a bonding ritual and an effective strategy to manage the interpersonal distance. It serves multiple functions to help define the relationships between colleagues, friends and novel
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