Most people feel the need to make sure everyone in a group is comfortable before they star

t a business meeting. This pre-discussed conversation—small talk—can cover a wide range of topics, some of 【C1】______ may not be related to agenda for the meeting. In most countries, building personal connections is a 【C2】______ first step in making sure that business goes 【C3】______ People often use this phase of interaction to observe and 【C4】______ the character of their colleagues.

In the Middle East, business men like to get to know new 【C5】______ before starting a meeting. They often judge people's response to certain topics by observing their eyes, 【C6】______ they need to be able to sit or stand very close to the person. Small talk tends to continue until the people involved are comfortable enough to move close to one 【C7】______ In Latin American and Asian countries, people also want to 【C8】______ if an acquaintance can be trusted. For them, business is 【C9】______ with an individual, not a company, so it's important to have an honest 【C10】______ before any business is discussed.

In the United States, 【C11】______ ,most business people prefer an extremely limited small talk period. When they arrive for a meeting, they expect to begin the business discussion 【C12】______ away, perhaps after just a few minutes of greetings and 【C13】______ . Most Americans feel that time is as valuable as 【C14】______ , so talking extensively about the weather, hobbies, or the plane trip is 【C15】______ as a waste of time. They are likely to become impatient if the subject turns away from the business of the day.

however which acquaintances so relationship

determine introductions crucial see right

assess smoothly conduct money another

【C1】______