The Art of Conversation

Talking to a stranger doesn’t have to be scary!

You arrive at a party and realize you don’t recognize anyone. You’re faced with a choice: start a conversation with someone or hide in the corner. If you find yourself heading for the corner, think again. Making conversation with a stranger may not be as hard as you think. But it does require some basic skills.

Pick a conversation topic

Do you draw a blank trying to think of things to talk about after you’ve introduced yourself? To avoid an awkward pause, have a conversation topic ready. Fortunately, some conversation topics can be used in almost any situation. For example, ask about the person’s o_____(职业), interests, education or family. Almost everyone has something to share about these topics.

Know what not to talk about
Bringing up the wrong topic can bring a sudden end to your conversation. For example, stay away from discussing politics or r_____(宗教) . In many cultures, it’s also impolite to ask strangers personal questions about their marital status or salary.

Ask the right questions
A great conversationalist encourages the exchange of experiences, ideas and information. Asking open-ended questions will help foster such an exchange. For example, the question “Are you from America?” limits your conversation partner to a yes-or-no response. Wh-questions like why or what will allow him to say more.

Find what you have in common
When your conversation partner answers your questions, listen for interests or experiences you share. Maybe you both enjoy the same hobby or grew up in the same area. C_____(谈论，交谈) about things you have in common can keep a conversation going night.

Join another’s conversation
You can also join a conversation already in progress. first, avoid groups that appear to be discussing personal or c_____(具争议性的) matters. When you find the right group to join, make eye contact and smile with someone in the group. Politely ask if you can join them. Wait for a break in the conversation, and ask a question about the topic being discussed.

Great question for conversation
Do you only know the person’s name and want to know more about them? Try asking some of these questions:
* What brought you here?
* How are you enjoying the party?
* How has your day/week been?
* Where did you grow up?
* What do you do for a living?
* What do you do in your free time?
* Where do /did you go to school?
* How do you feel about (something)?
* What do you think about (something)?
* What did you think of (a particular movie, TV show or performance)?

Word Bank

Controversial (adj) 具争议性的
The president’s speech was controversial. Some people agreed with what he said and some people didn’t.

参考翻译：
你参加一个派对，发现自己一个人也不认识，你面临选择：找人交谈或躲在墙角。如果你发现自己正往角落走，请三思。与陌生人交谈不见得如你想象的那么困难，不过的确需要一些基本技巧。

More Information

art (n) 技巧，艺术
conversationalist (n) 谈话高手，健谈的人

Talk About It

☆ Does the idea of talking to strangers make you feel nervous? Why or why not?
☆ Do you think you’re a good conversationalist? If not, how can you improve?

28日视频：

视频下载：http://file.hjbbs.com/studio/20070328gz.wmv

29日视频：

视频下载：http://file.hjbbs.com/studio/20070329vz.wmv

参与方式：

1.猜词：根据文中空缺的4个词的中文意思猜出英文原词。（奖励40）
2.翻译：把标有下划线的句子翻成中文。（奖励40）
3.造句和讨论：任意选择4个词中的一个或多个进行造句。并且参加Talk About It.（奖励50）
4.文本摘自《空中英语教室》，由ada163亲自录入，转载请注明转自沪江英语论坛〖沪江视听版音画每日谈〗栏目。
5.更多讨论欢迎进入音画讨论组。
6.欢迎订阅音画每日谈。