When we meet new people, we don’t begin by telling them our life story. We start with small talk, like traffic or weather. People make small talk just about anywhere, but there are certain places where it is very common. Most often, small talk happens in places where people are waiting for something. People with many different relationships use small talk. The most common type of people to use small talk are those who do not know each other at all. Though we often teach children not to talk to strangers, adults are expected to say at least a few words in certain situations.

Small talk can start new friendship. When we begin conversations with new people, we use small talk to find common interests. Small talk even helps people get a job. So, how can you make small talk lead to a new friendship or job?

First of all, choose something around you that you share with the other person. Next, keep the conversations going. Compliment (赞美) the other person to make him or her feel comfortable, and ask questions to show interest. Third, talking to strangers is not an easy thing for shy people. But with more practice, small talk does get easier.

Some people think things like traffic or weather are just too small. However, small talk is anything but small. In fact, it is actually a big deal!

【小题1】Where does small talk happen most often?
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【小题2】What type of people use small talk most common?
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【小题3】What advantages (好处) can small talk bring you?
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【小题4】About making small talk, how many pieces of advice did the writer give you?
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【小题5】How do you keep the small talk going?
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