生活英语情景口语100主题 5. Mind Your Posture 注意姿态

Dialogue 1 I(Isalella) M(Matthew)

I: Matthew, do you know much about body language in countries around the world?

M: Sure. I've picked up a few things from travelling around for work. why?

I: Well, I had a meeting today with a woman from Japan and she wouldn't stop bowing! I didn't know what to do!

M: Did you bow back?

I: No, I tried to shake her hand, but her hand was so limp I was a bit offended.

M: Well, Japanese businessmen and women typically bow to greet each other in Japan. She might have been offended by your strong handshake.

I: But she was in America! Shouldn't she have known that strong handshakes in america signigy confidence and respect?

M: Things are different in Japan. You know, in some countries, making eye contact with others is considered rude.

I: Is that why she wouldn't look at me in the meeting?

M: I think it's highly possible, yes.

I: The meeting really didn't go douwn well at all. I think I need to read up about intercultural communication before I have another meeting with someone from another country.

M: That's a good idea. When you don't know much about other cultures, the simplest thing can offend someone.

I: That's so true. It's great that we see eye to eye on this.

Dialogue 2

M: Well, what did you think about the last candidate? Do you think we should hire her?

I: She had a very impressive resume, but she seemed to lack the confidence that I think a good manager needs.

M: What made you think that she wasn't very confident?

I: Did you notice the way that she avoided making eye contact with us while she talked?

M: She was a bit nervous, I guess. What else?

I: When she first walked into the room to greet us, she didn't shake our hands or introduce herself at all. I thought that was a bit unprofessional.

M: you're right. If she walked into meetings with our clients like that, it would make our company look bad, wouldn't it?

I: It sure would. Did you alse notice the way she slouched in her chair druing most of the intervies? She had horrible posture!

M: I agree. I guess I was paying more attention to her answers than her body language.

I: On top fo all of that, she didn't seem to have any sense about people's personal space. she didn't keep enough distance between us when during the meeting.

M: That's true. I guess we'll have to keep looking for a manager then.

I: Don't worry, we'll find someone eventually!