Have you ever found yourself waiting at the stop for your bus to arrive and have a stranger ask a commonplace (普通的) question? Or have you stood in line waiting for a coffee and feel the need to just look over to the person next to you and ask about the weather?
This is small talk, and despite the name, it’s actually a big part of daily life.
“Small talk may seem trivial (微不足道的), but it’s a natural way for people to connect. It may seem like a waste of time. But it serves a vital role in our social interactions (交往). Big relationships are built on small talk,” Lindy Pegler, who has a master’s degree in psychology, wrote on Medium.
In fact, we spend a lot of our time making small talk. Often, we find ourselves making small talk with the same people on a regular basis. Coming up with small conversations is the foundation (基础) of these relationships.
The benefits of such conversations can actually contribute to our happiness and benefit our lives as a whole. In a study cited by The New York Times, researchers found that having a healthy number of acquaintances (相识的人) and maintaining these relationships contribute to one’s sense of belonging to a community.
So how does one start making small talk? It can be as simple as complimenting (称赞) one’s shirt, asking about their day or commenting on the traffic. “First and foremost, small talk is an act of politeness,” Pegler noted. “Our small talk at our first meeting is our chance to show who we are,” she added.
Who knows where this can lead? Nowadays, the small connections we make can lead to big results. You might find someone who has a common interest, or maybe even someone who turns out to be a close friend. There is one thing for sure: making small talk can brighten our day – even if it’s just a nice comment or a thoughtful question.
So the next time you find yourself waiting for the bus or checking your watch while you wait in a line, take the opportunity to look up and talk to someone around you. After all, it takes a small connection to lead to a larger one.
4. What does the writer intend to do by asking questions in paragraph one?
A.To show his confusion on the theme | B.To argue over the seriousness of talking |
C.To attach importance to talking | D.To lead to the topic of the passage |
5. What does Lindy Pegler think of small talk?
A.It is a pointless conversation. | B.It wastes too much time. |
C.It is connected with your social status. | D.It contributes to good relationships. |
6. How do regular social interactions with acquaintances influence people according to researchers?
A.They help people develop communication skills. |
B.They bring people happiness and a sense of belonging. |
C.They allow people to improve their manners. |
D.They help people find out who they are. |
7. What are people advised to do when making small talk?
A.Start with casual topics | B.Start with serious topics |
C.Make it important and deep. | D.Choose pleasant surroundings. |