Module 1 Small Talk IntroductionRead the dictionary definitions of small talk and answer the questions.1. Which definitions make small talk sound like a positive thing? 2. Which definitions refer to places where small talk might take place? 3. Why is it a problem if someone has no small talk? 4. What do you think is the Chinese for small talk?small talk informal conversation about things that are not importantMacmillan English Dictionarysmall talk light conversation that people make at social occasions about unimportant things: We stood around making small talk.Collins Cobuild English Language Dictionarysmall talk polite friendly conversation about unimportant subjectsLongman Dictionary of Contemporary Englishsmall talk conversation about ordinary or unimportant matters, usually at a social event: He has no small talk (i.e. he is not good at talking to people about ordinary or unimportant things).Oxford Advanced Learners DictionaryLook at the conversation topics below and answer the questions.careers; cars; examinations; film stars; music; politics; sport; travel; weather; food 1. If you talk about these topics, is the conversation serious or small talk? 2. Which of the topics do you like talking about with your friends? 3. Which of them do you talk about with your parents? 4. Which of them do you talk about with your teacher? 5. Which of them do you never talk about?Vocabulary and Reading Complete the sentences with the correct forms of the words in the box.damage; encourage; impress; prepare; recognise 1. The singer was really good! She me a lot! 2. He had an accident and his bicycle. 3. Dont shout at the children. You should them to do better. 4. Make sure you for your English examination. Do more homework! 5. At the party, I a boy who used to attend my school.Read the passage and decide what kind of book it is from. Choose from this list.The text is from _.a book to help you prepare for a speaking examinationa business coursean English teaching booka book which tells you what to do at social eventsHow Good Are Your Social Skills?Have you ever crossed the road to avoid talking to someone you recognise? Would you love to go to a party and talk confidently to every guest? Do you want to make more friends but lack the confidence to talk to people you dont know? And are you nervous about the idea of being at a social event in another country? Dont worrywe can help you!You neednt worry about situations like these if you have good social skills. And they are easy to learn. People with good social skills communicate well and know how to have a conversation. It helps if you do a little advance planning.Here are a few ideas to help you.Learn how to do small talkSmall talk is very important and prepares you for more serious conversations. Be prepared! Have some low-risk conversation openers ready. For example: think of a recent news storynot too serious, e.g. a story about a film star or sports star think of things to tell people about your studies think of safe things you can ask peoples opinions aboutmusic, sport, films, etc. think of topics that you would avoid if you were talking to strangersand avoid talking about them! That way, you dont damage your confidence!Develop your listening skillsListening is a skill which most people lack, but communication is a two-way processit involves speaking AND listening. Always rememberyou wont impress people if you talk too much. Here are some ideas to make you a better listener:Do . show that you are listening by using encouraging noises and gesturessmiling, nodding, saying uh-huh and OK, etc. keep good eye contact use positive body language ask for more information to show your interestDont . look at your watch yawn sigh look away from the person whos talking to you change the subject finish other peoples sentences for themAlways remember the words of Benjamin Disraeli, British Prime Minister in the nineteenth century: Talk to a man about himself, and he will speak to you for hours!Learn the rulesIf you go to a social occasion in another country, remember that social rules can be different. In some countries, for example, you have to arrive on time at a party; in other countries, you dont need to. In addition, you need to know how long you should stay, and when you have to leave. Some hosts expect flowers or a small gift, but in other places, you can take things, but you neednt if you dont want to. Remember also that in some countries, you mustnt take flowers of a certain colour, because theyre unlucky. In most places, you dont have to take a gift to a partybut find out first!Answer the questions.1. According to the article, should people plan what theyre going to say at parties? 2. What do people think about those who talk too much? 3. Describe two things you shouldnt do in a conversation. 4. Why is it a good idea to nod and smile when the other person is talking? 5. What does the q