Материал: Uchebnik_dlya_sud_expertov

3.Casual or trivial conversation, chitchat about unimportant subjects of conversation, as opposed to serious or weighty ones.

4.An exchange of ideas or opinions.

5.Something, such as a lecture or speech that is set forth for an audience.

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Topics which are safe for small talk

Topics which are best avoided for small talk

1."What sort of music do you like?"

2."You seem to have put on some weight"

3."Who did you vote for at the last election?"

4."The garden looks lovely, doesn't it?"

5."It's a lovely day today, isn't it?"

6."Do you believe in God?"

7."Hello. May I introduce myself? My name is Mark"

8."What a lovely dog. What is his name?"

9."How is your family?"

10."Why is British food so bad?"

11."How much do you earn?"

12."How old are you?"

13.“I like your watch. A Rolex, isn’t it?”

14.“What do you think of the presentation?”

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Model:

William : Morning, Paul.

Paul : Oh, morning, William, how are you?

William : Fine, thanks. Have a good weekend?

Paul : Yes, thanks. Catch you later.

William : OK, see you.

8.. .

1.What topics do the speakers discuss?

2.Are these topics safe?

3.Do they get on well with each other? Why do you think so?

4.What mistakes do they make?

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Conversation 1

A:Is this your first visit to Russia?

B:Yes, it is, actually. Fascinating place!

A:Yes, that’s right. I come here quite a lot. What do you do, by the way? I see you work for Galaxy.

B:How did you know? … Oh, yeah, my badge. I’m in R&D. Molecular modeling, to be precise.

A:Really? We should talk. Can I offer you a drink?

B:Oh, no, thank you.

A:Are you sure?

B:Well, ok, just a little coffee. And what line of business are you in?

Conversation 2

A:Hi, Sandra Smith, High Engineering. Would you mind if I join you?

B:Erm, no. Michael Smooth.

A:Pleased to meet you, Mike. Try one of these – they are delicious.

B:No, thanks, but seafood doesn’t agree with me.

A:Oh, then try this cheese instead. It’s good too. Haven’t we met before? In Warsaw, perhaps?

B:I don’t think so.

A:But I was sure I recognized you… You are an Aquarius, aren’t you? I can tell.

B:Well, I don’t know. I’m not really into horoscopes, I’m afraid.

A:When is your birthday?

B:Oh, on the 5 of February.

A:I knew it! A typical Aquarius.

B:Er, yes. If you excuse me, I have to make an urgent phone call. It’s been nice talking to you.

Conversation 3

A:I really enjoyed you talk this morning.

B:Oh, thank you very much.

A:You have mentioned some interesting things. I’m Anna Mellor, by the way. I’d like to talk to you about some of your ideas. My company may be interested in your product. Where are you staying?

B:At the Hilton.

A:I’m at the Sheraton. Why don’t we fix up a time to chat over a drink? Here is my business card.

B:Oh, thank. I’ve got mine here… somewhere.

A:Don’t worry. I know who you are. So, how are you enjoying the conference?

B:Well, it’s rather good. There are more people than ever this year. But isn’t this weather awful? Half a meter of snow this morning, I heard.

A:Yes, it’s getting cold here in Moscow.

B:Would you excuse me a moment? I’ll be right back.

Conversation 4

A:So, how is business?

B:Fine. This merger meant quite a lot of work for us, but, fine.

A:Well, mergers are often difficult. So, what do you think about the Middle-East situation?

B:I’m sorry?

A:The crisis in the Middle East. It was in the news this morning.

B:Er, well, I…

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A:I mean, it must affect a company like yours - you are in oil.

B:No, I think, you’ve made a mistake. I’m not in oil. I work for BMW.

A:BMW? Oh, sorry! I thought you were someone else.

B:That’s ok. If you excuse me I must just go and say hello to someone.

Conversation 5

A:I like your watch. A Rolex, isn’t it?

B:Well, to be honest, but don’t tell anybody, it’s a fake.

A:No! It looks real to me. Where did you get it?

B:Egypt. It cost me twenty five dollars.

A:Amazing! So, do you know many people here?

B:No, not really. It’s the first time I’ve been to such a conference.

A:Me too. So, what is your hotel like?

B:Pretty comfortable. Nothing special, but it’s ok, I suppose.

A:You are at the Holiday Inn, aren’t you? Last year they held this conference in Mexico. The Hilton Cancun Fabulous Hotel, they say.

B:Cancun! A bit warmer than here, I think.

A:Yes, I went there on holiday once. A beautiful place! Can I get you anything from the buffet?

B:Oh, that’s all right. I’ll come with you. I’d like some more of that caviar before it all goes.

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1.So, who/work for?

2.Where/your company/based?

3.What/ do here?

4.Where/staying?

5.Giving/ presentation?

6.How/enjoying/conference?

7.Where/come from?

8.Interested in/football?

9.First time/Berlin?

10.Know/many people here?

11.What/line of business?

11.10 .

1. ______________________ - Actually, not very many. This is the first time I’ve been to such

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events.

2.______________________ - Paris. Our offices are in the city centre.

3.______________________ - Iberica Electric. It’s a large international company.

4.______________________ - To be honest, not very much. But my husband is. He doesn’t miss a

single match.

5.______________________ - No, me not. My colleague is. I’m here just to help him.

6.______________________ - Russia. I was born in St. Petersburg.

7.______________________ - I’m in marketing.

8.______________________ - No, I have been there twice before. One is on a

business trip, the other is on holiday. I like this city very much.

9. ______________________ - Well, it’s rather good. This year there are more speakers with interesting presentations.

10.______________________ - In the Sheraton. It’s a great hotel with all modern conveniences. 11______________________ - I’m giving a presentation.

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Tense).

1.A: Did you try/Have you tried sushi before, Mr. Winter?

B:Yes, I did/I have. I had/have had it last time I was/have been here. I like it very much.

2.A: I’d like to introduce you all to Dt. Sterling, who came/has come over from our Sydney office to spend a few days at our research centre. Welcome to Washington, Dr. Sterling.

B:Thank you very much. It was/has been kind of you to invite me.

3.A: …And then Manchester scored/has scored the winner. It was/has been an incredible goal! Did you see/Have you seen the game last night?

B:Yes, I did/have. Wasn’t it/Hasn’t it been a great match? One of the best I ever saw/have ever seen.

4.A: Rain stopped/has stopped the game again yesterday?

B:Sorry?

A: The cricket. They cancelled/have cancelled the match.

B: Oh, they didn’t/haven’t! Well, we certainly didn’t see/haven’t seen much cricket this summer.

5.A: I think this is your first visit to Holland, isn’t it Tanya? Or were you/have you been here before?

B:Actually, I came/have come here on holiday once, but that was/has been a long time ago.

6.A: That’s a terrible joke, Mike.

B:No, you see, he copied/has copied her test, right?

A:Mike, we heard/have heard the joke before. It’s ancient. Let’s get down to business.

B:I thought/have thought it was/has been funny.

7.A: What I do worry about is what is going on between our vice-president and our head of finance.

B:What happened/has happened?

A:Didn’t you hear/Haven’t you heard? I thought/ have thought everybody knew/has known.

B:No, nobody told/has told me anything.

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