[B] Engaging in a Conversation II

LET'S UNLOCK WORDS AND PHRASES 🔐

anecdote

[ 'an-ik-doht ]

noun

- a short, often funny story, especially about something someone has done

He told one or two amusing anecdotes about his years as a policeman.

nuance

[ 'noo-ahns ]

noun

- a very slight difference in appearance, meaning, sound, etc.

Linguists explore the nuances of language.

sidetrack

[ 'sahyd-trak ]

verb

- to direct a person's attention away from an activity or subject toward another one that is less important

They have a tendency to try to sidetrack you from your task.

skeptical

[ 'skep-ti-kuhl ]

adjective

- doubting that something is true or useful

They are skeptical about how much will be accomplished by the new manager.

get caught up in sth

phrase

- to become involved in something, often without wanting to

I didn't want to get caught up in endless petty arguments.

LET'S UNDERSTAND! 📚

A. idle chatter

foolish and irrelevant talk

talking with a teacher

Dialogue

Icon_Sally

Sally

Why are you such in a hurry?

Icon_Anna Happy

Anna

I'm trying to avoid getting caught up in some idle chatter in the corridor. I'd rather concentrate on completing my reports instead of engaging in conversations that don't benefit my work.

Icon_Sally

Sally

Oh, come on! Don't take it too seriously. They're just trying to distract themselves from the pressure we already have in the office.

Icon_Anna Happy

Anna

I understand, but perhaps we should focus on more productive tasks to accomplish our work faster.

B. broach the subject

begin a discussion of a difficult topic

focused at work

Dialogue

Icon_Alex

Alex

So, have you already discussed with Mr. Thomas about ending our partnership with Great Motor Corp?

Icon_Cindy

Cindy

Not yet. That's actually my current challenge. I know I should have addressed it by now, but I find it difficult to broach the subject with him. He's still recovering from the setback of his failed investment.

Icon_Alex

Alex

I understand. It must be quite challenging for you to deliver the news to him.

C. beside the point

irrelevant or off the topic

MEETING

Dialogue

Icon_Alex

Alex

I don't think we should invest in upgrading our office equipment right now. We have other pressing financial priorities.

Icon_Ken

Ken

But the new equipment would significantly improve our productivity and efficiency.

Icon_Alex

Alex

That may be true, but it's beside the point since our current financial situation doesn't allow for such investments.

D. broad generalization

general judgment which does not take exceptions into account, over-generalization

talking

Dialogue

Icon_Anna Happy

Anna

How's life living alone?

Melly_Happy Icon

Melly

It's been great so far, but occasionally it gets lonely. That's why I'm considering getting a pet, perhaps a dog or a cat.

Icon_Anna Happy

Anna

Sounds like a good plan. You should get a dog, since they are smarter than cats.

Melly_Happy Icon

Melly

I think that's just a broad generalization but I might consider having a dog as a pet.

E. take something with a grain of salt

to be skeptical about information and don't immediately accept it as being true

co-workers talking

Dialogue

Icon_Anna Happy

Anna

I heard a rumor that the company is going to undergo a massive restructuring next month. Have you heard anything about it?

Icon_Sally

Sally

Yes, I've heard similar whispers, but rumors can be unreliable. Let's take it with a grain of salt until we receive official communication from the management.

Icon_Anna Happy

Anna

You're right. It's important not to jump to conclusions until we have official confirmation.

LET'S PRACTICE! 📝

Part I

Direction: Choose the appropriate idioms to complete each of the sentences.

idle chatter	broach the subject
beside the point	broad generalization
take something with a grain of salt

The meeting was filled with as colleagues discussed weekend plans and shared anecdotes unrelated to the agenda.
It took him a while to gather the courage to of a salary raise with his boss, knowing it could be a sensitive topic.
She criticized the author for making a about an entire culture without considering its diversity and nuances.
The exaggerated claims in the tabloid article made her skeptical, so she chose to .
Her complaints about the office's decor were when we were discussing budget cuts.

Part II

Direction: Listen as your mentor reads the statements twice. Then, repeat after your mentor.

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Part III

Direction: Read the sentences and choose the correct synonym for each underlined phrase.

During the long car ride, they engaged in idle chatter to pass the time, discussing various topics without any serious intent.
.
We need to stay focused on the objective and not get sidetracked by details that are beside the point .
.