Passage Three

　　Small talk is like having loose change in your pocket. Like quarters for a pay phone, loose change comes in handy when you least expect it. But when it comes to small talk, you must know when to spend it or save it.

　　All small talk is not the same. With some people, you walk away having killed a few moments. With others, you feel a connection and want to get to know them better. The difference is the effort one or both of you made at making a connection. It helps to call the person by name, mention things you have in common (mutual acquaintances, places you've been, experiences you've shared, career or personal goals), show interest in that person's views or hobbies, and match the other person's speaking style, voice, emotion and body language as you talk.

　　People feel being related to others who like them, appreciate them, enjoy the same things they do and are helpful to them. Time and attention make connections that last.

　　When you're considering small talk, be sensitive to the other person's mood and circumstances. When your airplane seatmate is obviously preoccupied, leave him or her alone. Neither would you approach someone when the person is dashing down a hallway to a meeting. On other occasions, small talk is inappropriate because of the person involved. If the CEO has unexpectedly called you in for "a little chat," this is not the time to take the lead. Let him or her dictate the topic and pace. The same is true with customers. Develop a sixth sense about those who appreciate small talk and those who don't.

　　26. What is the meaning of the underlined phrase comes in handy in the first paragraph?

　　A. becomes very useful

　　B. becomes very special

　　C. becomes very important

　　D. becomes very inconvenient

　　27. According to the second paragraph, how can you make a connection with others?

　　A. mention your unique experiences

　　B. describe others’ dressing styles

　　C. talk about others’ hobbies

　　D. discuss others’ names

　　28. If you want to make others’ feel related to you, you may need to__________.

　　A. spend time chatting with them

　　B. show how excellent you are

　　C. give presents to them

　　D. be helpful to them

　　29. According to the fourth paragraph, on what occasion should you avoid making small talk with others?

　　A. when others are strolling on the street

　　B. when your airplane seatmate asks you for a favor

　　C. when your airplane seatmate is absorbed in thought

　　D. when others are walking down the hallway after a meeting

　　30. According to the last paragraph, what should you do when your CEO has unexpectedly called you in for “a little chat”?

　　A. let the CEO dictate the topic and pace

　　B. talk about the difficulties in your work

　　C. take the lead to make small talk

　　D. decide on the topic of talk