Small talk is a lighthearted form of communication meant to facilitate interaction between strangers. These brief exchanges often serve as a gateway to a more significant conversation. Frequent topics include the weather, sports, and the latest TV shows. However, many people are __1__ small talk, and the thought of having to engage in it fills them with anxiety over how to respond.
While it may seem a waste of time to some, there are benefits to participating in this social ritual. Research has shown that friendly exchanges with strangers can __2__ and decrease feelings of isolation. This is especially important in light of a declaration made by the US Surgeon General in 2023. Loneliness was identified as a public health epidemic in the United States, with at least one in five adults __3__ feeling lonely on a daily basis. Psychologists believe that small talk can help individuals foster a sense of belonging and emotional connection.
For those who wish to improve their social skills, there are many strategies to make small talk more manageable. One way is to prepare __4__ for conversations you might expect to face at work or social events. In such spontaneous moments, focus on your shared surroundings, make a comment, or ask the other person a question. Your responses don’t need to be __5__, so take your time to reflect on what the other person is saying before replying. As with most skills, practice leads to improvement.
Photo: AdobeStock I 照片: AdobeStock
閒聊（small talk）是一種輕鬆的交流方式，旨在促進陌生人之間的互動。這類簡短的對話往往是更深入對話的開端。常見的閒聊話題包括天氣、運動和最新的電視節目。然而，許多人對閒聊感到提防，甚至一想到必須參與其中就會對該如何回應感到焦慮。
儘管在某些人眼中閒聊似乎是在浪費時間，但參與這種社交儀式具有好處。研究顯示，與陌生人之間的友善交流可以讓人心情變好，並減少孤立感。鑑於 2023 年美國醫務總監所做的聲明，這點顯得特別重要。孤獨在美國被認定為一種公共衛生流行病，五個成年人中至少就有一個表示每天都感到孤獨。心理學家認為，閒聊有助於人們培養歸屬感與情感連結。
對於那些希望提升社交技巧的人來說，有許多策略可以讓閒聊變得更容易應對。其中一個方法是事先準備你可能會在工作場合或社交活動中遇到的對話內容。在這類即興的時刻中，專注於你們一起所在的環境、發表一點看法，或向對方提出問題。你不需要立刻做出回應，所以慢慢來，回答前先思考對方所說的內容。就像大多數技巧一樣，練習能帶來進步。
What Did You Learn?
1. (A) crazy about (B) dying for (C) keen on (D) wary of
2. (A) boost one’s mood (B) keep one’s figure (C) lose one’s temper (D) bite one’s tongue
3. (A) report (B) reporting (C) reported (D) are reporting
4. (A) on duty (B) in advance (C) for good (D) behind schedule
5. (A) earnest (B) official (C) immediate (D) ambiguous
答案：
1. D
2. A
3. B
4. B
5. C
Words in Use
1. facilitate vt. 促進，有助於
Kent’s explanation facilitated my understanding of the situation.
肯特的解釋有助於我了解情況。
2. interaction n. 互動
We enjoyed the singer’s interaction with the audience.
我們很喜歡那位歌手與觀眾之間的互動。
3. anxiety n. 焦慮，不安
Sally was in a state of anxiety when she heard the sad news.
莎莉聽到那個令人傷心的消息時，內心焦慮不已。
4. ritual n. 儀式；例行公事
Drinking coffee every morning is part of my daily ritual.
每天早上喝咖啡是我每日例行事項的一部分。
5. isolation n. 孤立，隔離
After moving to a new city, I struggled with a feeling of isolation.
我搬到新城市後，難以應付孤立感。
Practical Phrases
1. engage in... 參與∕進行……
Rachel often engages in heated arguments about politics.
瑞秋經常參與關於政治的激烈爭論。
2. in light of... 鑑於∕因為……
In light of the high cost of gasoline, I’ve decided to sell my car.
鑑於高油價，我已決定把車子賣掉。
3. identify A as B 將 A 認定為 B
My friends identified me as the best cook in the group.
我的朋友們認定我是我們這群人裡最會煮飯的。
4. make a comment 發表意見，做出評論
Please don’t make a comment until I’ve finished speaking.
在我講完話之前請不要發表意見。
5. reflect on... 思考……
We took a moment to reflect on what we were about to do.
我們花了片刻時間思考我們接下來要怎麼做。
聽文章朗讀及講解: https://ivy.pse.is/455bfu
本文出自常春藤解析英語雜誌: www.ivy.com.tw
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