Audio
Time: 11 min 44 sec
Level: Upper
intermediate and up
Vocabulary: To help learners fully understand the audio
and transcript, most vocabulary that might be unknown for this lesson’s level is
provided. Vocab in bold
is more useful for learners at the lesson’s target level. Try to choose 8
to 10 new words to learn from the story (in general, it’s best to try to learn
no more than 8-10 new words a day).
Definitions
are written with the help of various sources including Merriam-Webster’s Learner’s Dictionary
To catch
the eye of someone: to attract and hold (someone's attention,
interest, etc.).
Semantic: of or relating to the meanings of words and phrases.
Obsessed:
to
be the only person or thing that someone thinks or talks about; to think about
someone or something too much.
To figure
out: to understand or find (something, such as a reason or a
solution) by thinking.
Profound:
having
or showing great knowledge or understanding.
Liberating:
making
you feel free.
Storm
drain: a drain that carries water (such as rainwater) away from a
street, parking lot, etc.
Perception:
the
way that you notice or understand something using your senses.
To
liberate: to free (someone or something) from being controlled by
another person, group, etc.
Short cut:
a
quicker or easier way to do something.
Bias: to be
subjective and not see something from an objective perspective.
Intimacy:
emotional
warmth and closeness.
Fleeting: not lasting : lasting for only a short time.
From
scratch: from a point at which nothing has been done yet.
Averse: having a
clear dislike of (something) : strongly opposed to (something).
Counterintuitive:
different
from what you would expect : not agreeing with what seems right or natural.
Resonance:
a.
the quality of a sound that stays loud, clear, and deep for a long time formal;
b. a quality that makes something
personally meaningful or important to someone.
Lament: to
express sorrow, regret, or unhappiness about something.
Triangulation: making a triangle by combing
three points.
Disclosure:
the
act of making something known : the act of disclosing something.
Vulnerable:
open
to attack, harm, or damage.
Suspicious:
having
or showing a feeling of doubt or distrust.
Discussion
questions:
1. Why does the speaker suggestion that we should talk with
strangers?
2. Is it appropriate to talk with strangers in your culture?
3. Is small talk common in your country? If so, in what kinds
of situations?
4. What are some of the techniques the speaker suggests to
make small talk?
5. Can you think of other techniques to make small talk with
someone you don’t know?
