F2F Class Notes (Li)
Today we focused on:
Tips for small talk:
Most people start a conversation with “How are you?”, but when you reply, it shouldn’t just end with “I’m fine, thank you/thanks.”
*The point of small talk is for people to get to know each other – it’s not really meant to be a test
*In business situations, you don’t have to ask very deep or meaningful questions during smalltalk – keep it simple!
In most cases you can ask a question after your reply:
ex.” I’m great, thanks. What did you last weekend?” (better than what you do now)
ex. I had a good time skiing with my friends. Did you go anywhere for the holidays? (what most native speakers do)
You can start by asking “How are you?”:
-It makes it easier for you because you don’t have to think of what to say
-You also have time to think of what you want to say
-It leaves a good impression since you rarely start a conversation
Vocabulary
picky – to describe someone who is very particular about something
ex. Kids these days are picky eaters, they hate everything.
ex. My friends are so picky about who they date.
I’m feeling a bit down/a bit sad
gossip/n/v – talk about people’s private lives
ex. Stop gossiping about the newcomer and get to work!
ex. What is the latest gossip on the media?
busybody/nosy – too interested in the details of other people’s lives
ex. Aunt Karen has a bad habit of being too nosy since she moved next door.
Speaking exercise
disappointed moments
sad/unhappy/depressed moments
In quiet places, I will think too much
In quiet places, I will think too much/I will start to overthink/go into deep thought
I mostly focus on the drama itself and not pay attention to the languages
I mostly focus on the story/plot itself and I don’t really pay attention to what they say.
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