F2F Class Notes (Li)

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.

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.