Whether it’s joining a school club, going to a friend’s birthday party, or travelling by train, we can meet new people anywhere and anytime in our lives. However, many of us feel awkward when meeting people for the first time, especially when we aren’t quite sure what to say. The situation feels cold, even icy.

“Breaking the ice” is a term widely used in the English-speaking countries to describe a small talk technique that can help rescue a conversation from certain failure.

So where do you even begin? Well, a good start is to accept that it is perfectly normal to feel a little nervous when talking to someone for the first time. They might look grumpy or scary, but they could turn out to be the nicest person you’ve ever met.

You might think that breaking the ice is difficult. But sometimes just a simple “hello”, followed by a three-second smile, can make all the difference.

Complimenting someone on their garment or accessories(饰品) is also a great, easy way to break the ice. You might say: “I love your jacket. Where did you buy it from?”

Being in an uncomfortable or unpleasant situation with someone new might feel terrible, but it can actually be one of the best icebreakers. By focusing on the situation, you come together to fight the common enemy: the long bathroom queue, for example, or the overcrowded bus.

You can make observations too. “What kind of drink is that?” “That’s a lovely name. What does it mean?” “Do you study here too?” There are opportunities all around you to ask questions that don’t seem weird, as long as you have some follow-up questions in mind.

If you’re feeling extra bold, make a joke. Jokes can be difficult to master but if you get them right, they show the likeable, witty side of your character. “What’s your name?” “Well, people usually call me Mike, but you can call me tonight.”

1.Which is the best title for the passage?

A. How to develop friendship with a stranger

B. Advice on breaking the ice when we communicate with a stranger

C. How to become a successful public speaker

D. How to start a conversation with a person

2.The underlined word “grumpy” can be replaced by______.

A. easily annoyed B. gentle

C. low-spirited D. cheerful

3.What can we learn from the passage?

A. “Breaking the ice” is a small talk technique widely used in our daily communication all over the world.

B. As long as you can smile at others, you will make some friends.

C. Realizing that it’s normal to feel nervous in front of a stranger is a good start to break the ice.

D. Being in an uncomfortable situation with some strangers can be the best icebreakers.

4.According to the passage, making a joke________.

A. can be done with ease.

B. leads to many new friends.

C. can show your wisdom and lovely character.

D. makes you enjoy your life happily.

After we meet people it is up to us to make them our friends. Let us stop a moment and consider what really makes a friend. The major qualities like faithfulness, devotion, friendly company, flash through our minds. But it is the large number of very small particular qualities that make up one’s whole character, such as cheerfulness, friendliness, and punctuality (守时). After all, “ to make a friend, be a friend” is not such a big and difficult order. There are particular favorable qualities, which attract others to us, and some elements which do have an effect on people in fundamental psychology(基础心理学) or not.

If you are in the presence of a shy person, talking and asking casual (随意的) questions may bring him out of his shell. Think of what would be most acceptable to the other person, for you to talk, or to listen. Either way the goal is to make yourself pleasant.

Always remember to listen, but listen intelligently. To have anyone “ hang on our words” is the most unnoticeably clever way in the world to please somebody. For a few extremely happy seconds we are the center of attraction, but when it is our turn to be audience, let us remember how we felt as the actor, and let’s be genuinely (真正地) interested in what the other fellow is saying.

Other people will like us, if we like them. If you want friends, keep your mind and heart open to friendship. Be alive to the other person’s world.

1.This passage is mainly about_______.

A. the ways of talking to a shy person

B. some favorable qualities to be a psychologist

C. how to make yourself attractive to your listeners

D. how to make a friend and be a friend

2.The words “ bring him out of his shell” in this passage most probably mean _______.

A. make him become active

B. make him feel more nervous

C. help him understand the question better

D. help him listen intelligently

3.According to the passage, an important way in making friends is to ________.

A. attract them B. be attracted

C. listen attentively D. talk widely

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