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Conversation starters
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What's your name? 你叫什么名字？
It's okay to directly ask someone his name in America, and it's a good idea to use it right away to help you remember it. It's better to get someone's name at the beginning of the conversation, because the longer you talk the more awkward it becomes to admit you don't know someone's name. Being good with names is a valuable skill. When you remember someone's name they will always appreciate it! However, name cards are not as important in America as they are in China. They are usually offered casually with one hand and quickly tucked in a pocket. Don't take it as an insult if your card is treated this way!
*It's nice to meet you, what's your name?
*Hello, I'm Kim. What's your name?
*I don't think we've met, what's your name?
What kind of work do you do? 你是做什么工作的？
After you shake hands and exchange names, this is the next question to ask. Everyone loves to talk about work and most people love to discuss their jobs. This question will make you sound more interested than simply asking "What is your job?"
*I work for a foreign trade company, what kind of work do you do?
*I've been working as a lawyer in Shenzhen for five years, what kind of work do you do?
*I'm in the IT industry, what kind of work do you do?
(Contributor: Kim Lee, an American teacher with the Li Yang Crazy English Company.)
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