Small talk: Back to basics
What could be easier than introducing yourself in English and engaging in a little, very basic, small talk? It’s a topic covered in the very first unit of many business English books. Yet I notice that these seemingly simple exchanges can cause problems for non-native-speakers. Perhaps because the expressions used here are set phrases which […]
Small talk: Finding a topic to talk about.
The British have got a reputation for talking about the weather. I’m no exception, but I’m very happy to talk about other topics, too. 😉 So if chatting about the weather doesn’t appeal to you, that’s still no reason to avoid small talk. You’re free to bring up other subjects. And in case you’re unsure what […]
Expressions explained | to be barking up the wrong tree
He thought the boss was annoyed because he hadn’t finished the project yet, but he was barking up the wrong tree. She thinks I can get her the job, but I’m afraid she’s barking up the wrong tree. You’re barking up the wrong tree if you think putting the customer under pressure will achieve anything. To be barking up […]
