Small talk: What do you say after "hello"?

It's that time of year when many soon-to-be graduates are interviewing for their first jobs. Even though they have terrific skills in technical areas, many of them from other countries still struggle with soft skills, such as making "small talk". The reason is that various countries have their own style of doing this, and these interviewees are uncertain of the American version.

In the United States, "small talk" is used at the start of interviews, or in pre-interview dinners and other social occasions, to help people find areas of commonality. It is also used to relax the nervous interviewees.

After the host says "hello", he or she usually asks a question, about a general topic. The guest responds, and then may ask a question to the other person.

For example, the host might say, "How was your trip?" The interviewee might respond, "It was great! I love the weather here. Is it usually this nice in spring?"

Think of small talk like a tennis game. Each side makes a statement and asks a question.

Based on the information provided by the other person, the questions will naturally change. For example, if the host mentions that he saw a great exhibit at the local museum yesterday, the guest could follow-up with a question about the museum, such as "That sounds wonderful. What are some of the other exhibits the museum has had recently?" or "What other great museums are here in town?"

Once the interviewer starts asking interview questions, the interviewee naturally responds to those without asking questions. At the end of most interviews, the interviewer asks if the person has any questions about the position (or company). This is the time to ask for more details about the position, such as responsibilities, training, a typical day, or relocation to another community if this is expected.

For more tips on starting, maintaining or ending a conversation, get Business Speech Improvement's concise e-book, Small Talk: Connecting with Others. Learn the secrets of small talk, American-style!

How to help your international employees adjust to life in the USA as a new resident

Are you planning to move to the USA in 2015, or will you be bringing international employees to the USA? There's more to welcoming them effectively than a simple "hello, we're glad you are here!".

New residents coming from other countries to study or work here are often surprised by details that are different from their native countries' ways of doing things. As one example, post offices in the USA handle mail - and only mail. They do not have banking functions, as they do in some other countries.

Speaking of banking, Americans use checks sometimes, in addition to credit and debit cards. Newcomers who establish bank accounts here should know how to write a check for the occasional place or situation in which a credit or debit card is not accepted.

Coming to the USA is a concise e-book that was written based on the questions of many professionals who moved here from Europe and S America. Get details on topics ranging from insurance to mailboxes, and much more! The more you understand, the easier life will be here for you and your family. And if you are on your way to the USA as you read this, welcome!

American English Pronunciation: LIttle-Known Rules that Matter

It's 11:15 AM on the first day of a small group seminar on American English Pronunciation Improvement for Non-native Professionals. The instructor is explaining about the 3 words in American English which have "th" in their spelling, but in which the "th" is silent: months, clothes and asthma. The learners comment, "I didn't know about this rule!"

Later, the students learn about other letters which are not pronounced, such as the "L" when written after an "a" and before another consonant, as in  walk, talk,  palms and psalms. The "a" is pronounced like "aw" in walk and talk, and like "ah" in palms and psalms.

The American English Pronunciation Improvement for Non-native Professionals seminar is a three-day intensive seminar. It includes individual speech assessments, targeted training, materials - and instruction on these essential rules.

Only 6 people are accepted in this exciting seminar. Get the details and enroll online by clicking here!

Business Speech Improvement provides intensive, customized training in many verbal skills, including American English pronunciation improvement. Economical e-books on verbal skills are also available.

Sending your child to college in the USA - but live in another country?

Many parents from other countries send their children to college in the USA, but the students and their parents don't know what to expect. Portable Parent (www.portableparent.com) is a down-loadable e-book about living on a college campus. It is in English, but it could be translated easily by going to www.translate.google.com into many languages. Chapters include ones on managing your time and money wisely, suggestions for lengthening an shortening term papers, making friends, and much more.

Help your child know what to expect in an American college! Visit www.portableparent.com!