But when you\u2019re meeting international clients for the first time, you may have the added pressure of speaking English too.<\/p>\n
That\u2019s why we\u2019re here! This guide will help you fill those awkward<\/strong><\/em><\/span> silences like a pro.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n When it comes to making small talk, choosing the topic is key. Keep things light-hearted<\/strong><\/em><\/span> and try to find common ground. The weather, sport and television are all safe topics, but it can be culture-dependent too.<\/p>\n Like in France, for example, it\u2019s common to talk about politics. Whereas in other countries that might not be the case. In Spain and Italy sport is a go-to. Then, of course, in Britain, we love to chat about the weather! In Russia, on the other hand, such topics might be considered trivial, where a more in-depth topic is preferred.<\/p>\n Some nationalities enjoy talking about themselves, or even about their family. However, in China you should be more cautious as it\u2019s not customary to ask for personal information.<\/p>\n The best thing you can do is think about the person you\u2019re talking to<\/strong> and what might be safe common ground<\/strong><\/em><\/span>. Asking about local foods, festivals and customs is a great way to play it safe.<\/p>\n Topics to include:<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Here are some questions and answers to get the conversation flowing. Why not practise reading them aloud in front of the mirror?<\/p>\n How\u2019s your hotel?<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n The location is great, and the bed\u2019s really comfortable so what more do you need really?<\/em><\/p>\n Is this your first visit to Barcelona?<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n No, I\u2019ve been here a few times on business, it\u2019s a beautiful city.<\/em><\/p>\n Will you have time to see the city?<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n I\u2019m afraid not, I\u2019ll have to run to the airport after the conference.<\/em><\/p>\n What was the weather like in London when you left?<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n Terrible, I\u2019m hoping to bring back some of this sunshine with me.<\/em><\/p>\n It\u2019s a beautiful day, isn\u2019t it?<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n Glorious! Is it always this nice?<\/em><\/p>\n Is it true it always rains in the UK?<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n Well, it definitely rains a lot but we do have the odd nice day.<\/em><\/p>\n Did you watch the Champions League final?<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n Of course, it was a fantastic game – and that last goal was unbelievable!<\/em><\/p>\n Do you do much sport yourself?<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n I sometimes play paddle at the weekend. Have you heard of it?<\/em><\/p>\n Your country\u2019s famous for football isn\u2019t it?<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n Yes, but we\u2019re also famous for basketball and hockey. Lots of people are really into cycling at the moment too.<\/em><\/p>\n <\/p>\n How much small talk to make before you get down to business<\/strong><\/em><\/span> is fundamental. Here culture is key. In fact, for some nations, making idle<\/strong><\/em><\/span> chit-chat is a no-no. In some parts of the world, it can last a few minutes. Whereas for others it can last the whole meeting!<\/p>\n In Germany<\/a>, for example, it\u2019s not customary to make a lot of small talk, and personal relationships take longer to develop. The same goes for Japan and Finland. Here short pleasantries<\/strong><\/em><\/span> are normally exchanged, and then it\u2019s often back to business.<\/p>\n America, on the other hand, is famous for a lot of friendly talk. In Brazil they\u2019ll happily engage for long periods of time too.<\/p>\n The key is to do a bit of research before visiting the country<\/strong>, and not to be offended if your colleagues aren\u2019t up for a chat!<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n It\u2019s best to keep away from some topics, as you might get into dangerous territory<\/strong><\/em><\/span>. No one wants to hear about your salary, or be asked about theirs. Well, unless you\u2019re Bill Gates.<\/p>\n It\u2019s also best not to get too personal. People don\u2019t want to know that your pet hamster just died, or about that recurring medical problem.<\/p>\n Our tip? Watch out for body language<\/strong>. If your audience looks uncomfortable – they probably are. And it\u2019s probably time to change the conversation.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n We hope you\u2019ve got plenty of information now for making the perfect small talk. But if in doubt, remember B.A.G.S. Using this acronym will help you keep a conversation going<\/strong><\/em><\/span> and make you feel more relaxed.<\/p>\n It stands for:<\/p>\n B – Be friendly.<\/strong> Show interest in the other person and ask lots of questions.<\/p>\n A – Agree.<\/strong> Find something you have in common and try not to disagree too early on as it might kill the conversation<\/strong><\/em><\/span>.<\/p>\n G – Give information.<\/strong> Don\u2019t be afraid to share something about yourself and your country but remember to not get too personal.<\/p>\n S – Smile.<\/strong> Enjoy it, tell a joke, and don\u2019t worry about making mistakes.<\/p>\n If you\u2019d like to learn more business English, check out our blog: 8 resources to build your business vocabulary<\/a>.<\/p>\nSafe small talk<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n
![\"Safe](\"https:\/\/oxfordhousebcn.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/chuttersnap-TSgwbumanuE-unsplash.jpg\")
<\/p>\n\n
Questions to ask in English<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n
Your Surroundings<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n
The Weather<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n
Sport<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n
![\"Questions](\"https:\/\/oxfordhousebcn.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/nick-fewings-DXeXwI4X0_g-unsplash.jpg\")
<\/p>\nHow long to chit-chat<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n
Topics to avoid<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n
Use B.A.G.S<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n