Small Talk 闲谈交流

Small talk is light conversation on unimportant or non-serious subjects. What make small talk small are both its duration and its focus.

想想看，哪些场合需要闲聊？

People will probably make small talk:

At various parties (such as a cocktail party, a birthday or dancing party, etc.) and gatherings;

When one runs into someone in the street;

When one greets somebody at various occasions;

During a meal, etc.

单纯的一问一答式的对话称不上闲聊。那么对话真的索然无味了。

A: That was delicious soup!

B: Thank you.

但是如果变成如下的样子，对话是不是就有进行下去的可能了？

A: That was delicious soup!

B: Thank you. (Would you like some more?)

可见，如果你说的话仅仅以"thank you"来结尾，别人是很难将对话进行下去的。 If additional information is provided, it will become easier for the person or others to explore or elaborate (详细述说) on the raised topic.

让闲聊继续的另一个技巧就是：using expressions showing attention, understanding, agreement, interest or surprise。我们提供了如下用语：

a) Yes, they're lovely, aren't they?

b) Really!

c) You're right.

d) I'm afraid so!

e) Of course!

f) Yes!

最后，我们来看另一段餐桌上的闲聊。仔细体会这段闲聊是如何展开和延续的。

A: This cake is delicious! I think it must contain some mystery ingredients!

B: Thank you. It's nothing special, really--I just added a glass of milk to the old recipe. Would you like some more?

A: Yes, please.

B: Let me take your plate.

A: Thank you. You know what; I always find it difficult to follow a recipe when cooking dishes. The recipe is more confusing than helpful.

B: It is sometimes. But I should say it is a good idea to follow it when you try a new dish, then throw it away when you are on your way.

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