Business Small Talk

Ahhh, a new year has begun. How are you feeling? 

Optimistic? Hopeful? Energised? Can’t wait to sink your teeth into new projects and work with new collaborators?

Words of the Year 2017

Before you completely psychologically move on to 2018, let’s have some fun looking back on the words of the year from 2017.

Collins Dictionary, American Dialect Society and the News on the Web Corpus: Fake News

Idiom "long memory"

If you live with cold winters...

If you live with cold winters, don't let a little snow and cold temperatures stop you from an outdoor workout. (AP Photo/Michael Dwyer)

Using Apostrophes

Source: www.grammarcheck.net

Idiom "the short & the long of it"

How To Make Small Talk

When words fail you

If you're on Dictionary.com, you love words. So, why is it so hard to put two words together when you’re at a wedding reception, holiday party, or networking event?

Making small talk is not about the size of your vocabulary. Many people get anxious at the thought of talking to strangers or dislike idle chitchat because it feels fake. The good news is that making small talk is a skill that can be learned, and these idioms can be your guide to enjoyable and lighthearted conversation. 

Put on a brave face

Before you even say a word, put on a brave face so you appear more confident or cheerful than you really feel. Pay attention to your body language—smile and uncross your arms.