填空题

Most people feel the need to make sure everyone in a group is comfortable before they start a business meeting. This pre-discussed conversation—small talk—can cover a wide range of topics, some of (36) may not be related to agenda for the meeting. In most countries, building personal connections is a (37) first step in making sure that business goes smoothly. People often use this phase of interaction to observe and assess the character of their colleagues.
In the Middle East, business men like to get to know new (38) before starting a meeting. They often judge people’s response to certain topics by (39) their eyes, so 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 another. In Latin American and Asian countries, people also want to (40) if an acquaintance can be trusted. For them, business is conducted with an individual, not a company, so it’s important to have an honest (41) before any business is discussed.
In the United States, (42) , most business people prefer an extremely limited small talk period. When they arrive for a meeting, they expect to begin the business discussion (43) away, perhaps after just a few minutes of greetings and (44) Most Americans feel that time is as valuable as money, so talking extensively about the weather, hobbies, or the plane trip is (45) as a waste of time. They are likely to become impatient if the subject turns away from the business of the day.
A. however I. determine
B. which J. immense
C. qualify K. introductions
D. acquaintances L. crucial
E. provoke M. loan
F. observing N. seen
G. hint O. right
H. relationship