Small Talk Transitioning

        Before the formal start of the meeting, although everyone introduced themselves to each other, how can we start the topic naturally and how can we not be boring or embarrassed? Let's learn "business and social communication - meeting greetings" in this English classroom! Appropriate greeting is the beginning of becoming a business and social master!

        Scenario 1: before a meeting; waiting for the manager

        The meeting is about to start. Alan and Sabrina have entered the meeting room to wait for Charles. How can they start the topic?

        Alan: Charles should be here soon.

        Sabrina: okay. I'm looking forward to it.

        Alan: is this your first trip to Texas? How do you like Texas? Do you still like it here?)

        Sabrina: it's a lovely city. Culture and food here are nice.

        Scenario 2: before a meeting; waiting for others

        All attendees are coming to the conference room one after another. The meeting will begin in 15 minutes.

        Alan: we're 15 minutes early for the meeting.

        Sabrina: should we wait for everyone to arrive?

        Alan: Yeah! Let's just find a seat. What did you do last weekend?

        Sabrina: my family and I went to a movie. Do you know the movie "joker"?

        Alan: Oh! I've seen that movie. It's just so good!

        Sabrina: exactly! Amazing actors! Robert De Niro is also in that movie!

        Transitioning language

        In addition to the common "Okay", the commonly used transitioning language are: "really!", "Yeah!", "Oh!", "sure!", "sounds good.", "I bet...", "Wow!", "tell me about it.", "you must be killing."

        Grammar

        Just is a common adverb in English, especially in oral expression, it has different usages in different situations. It often represents: now, right now, soon, just, just, exactly.

        1.Just = ‘simply’ or ‘absolutely’ (adj.)

        Example: it's just about right

        Example: it's just perfect

        2. When strengthening the tone, just means " exactly ". Just = exactly

        He looks just like his father.

        Example: can you sign your name just here?

        3. When you weaken your tone, just means " only". Just = only

        Example:

        A: How may I help you?

        B: Thank you. It's all good now. I'm just browsing.

        Example:

        I'm just working here for a week

        Expansion Variation

        In addition to talking about weekend activities, what are the common topics in business and social situations?

        1. Weather

        Example:

        A: How do you like the weather there / here?

        B: I like it very much

        2. City / Country

        Example:

        A: How's (Taipei / Seattle) treating you?

        B: It's a lovely city. Food and people are amazing.

        Example:

        A: How are you finding (Taipei / Texas) so far

        B: I enjoy it very much

        3. Compliment

        Example:

        A: Your presentation was very persuasive

        B: Thank you for saying that

        Friendly reminder

        In business occasions, greetings play an indispensable role. Communication skills can mobilize the atmosphere of social occasions, so that the topic can be smoothly extended. However, remember to avoid sensitive topics such as personal topics, politics or religion as much as possible, so as to make the communication process not embarrassing and lay a good start for a good social relationship!

        The above English teaching is provided by EIE American English. Please contact EIE Institute Belle Yin (Tel: (02) 8773-6828 ext. 368; Email: belle@eie.com.tw)

        More English course information: http://www.eie.com.tw/tw/

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