Module1SmallTalkSmallTalkinAmericaManyAmericansfindsilenceuncomfortableduringabuffet(自助餐)oraformaldinner
SointheStatesthereisawidespreadpracticeofmaking“smalltalk”incertainsocialsituations
Smalltalkdealswithvarioustopicssuperficially(表面地)simplyforthesakeofkeepingaconversationgoing
Thetopicsmightincludetheweather,sports,collegecourses,clothing,food,etc
Smalltalkisespeciallyusefulatsocialgatheringswhenyoumeetsomeoneforthefirsttime,orwhenpoliteconversationisexpectedbutnoseriousdiscussionisdesired
Itiscommonbutnotnecessarilyexpectedthatoneknowssomeoneinagroupbeforeengaginginhisorherconversation
Atapartyactually,asimple“MayIjoinyou
”andaself-introductionarenormallysufficienttogainacceptanceintoagroupandtojoininaconversation
Insomeplaces,suchasthelobbyofaconcerthallortheater,awaitingroomoraclass