What are the key topics to discuss in Chinese business small talk
Building Bridges: Professional Small Talk in Chinese: What are the key topics to discuss in Chinese business small talk
Key topics to discuss in Chinese business small talk include:
- Warm greetings and casual check-ins asking about how the person has been or what they have been busy with recently.
- Weather as a safe and neutral conversation opener.
- Food and local delicacies, including asking about favorite foods or restaurant recommendations.
- Asking about the smoothness of their journey or trip.
- Showing appreciation for the host’s arrangements or hospitality.
- Talking about family or hometown, as Chinese people tend to be family-oriented.
- Discussing sports, traveling, or leisure activities as a way to build rapport.
- Avoiding politics, sensitive historical topics, and controversial issues.
- Using polite phrases to show respect, interest, and modesty, such as asking for opinions or experiences.
Starting with light, safe topics like these helps build trust and lays the groundwork for successful business relationships in China. Food and hometown-related topics are particularly effective icebreakers in the Chinese business context. 1, 2, 3, 5, 6