Page 43 - Perfect Phrases ESL Everyday Business

Chapter 5

Interacting in a Small Group

Americans are not comfortable with silence; long periods of no talk-
ing and thinking silently present challenges. Many people, even those
born and raised in the United States, are uncomfortable in any situ-
ation in which small talk is expected. You may be in a small group
at work—around the watercooler, during a coffee break, at lunch, or
waiting for a meeting to start—and chatting or making small talk.
Business entertaining is also part of American culture, so you
may find yourself in these situations as well. Finding some common
conversational ground may take a few tries. Therefore, icebreakers
(often having to do with sports, current events, family life, and the
weather) and humorous phrases are used to reduce nervousness. It
is equally important to know what topics are taboo, such as inap-
propriate humor, sex, politics, religion, salaries, and personal financial
issues.
Sometimes, smiling and being friendly and polite are all it takes to
ease the tension. Always introduce yourself, if you haven’t met before.
Say your name twice, “Hi, I am Seema, Seema Patel.” Ask the other
person for his or her name if you don’t know it. If you repeat the name
of the other person after it has been said, you have a better chance of
remembering it, “Nice to meet you, William.” Listen carefully and stay

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