Mr Block: Some topics are in themselves unpleasant or are sure to bring out from some guests dissatisfaction or even anger.
Mr Bulatov: I don’t think that there are taboo subjects the discussion of which should be avoided.
Mr Block: Are there any topics which you wouldn’t recommend to touch upon during an official dinner?
Mr Bulatov: If there are guests whom you don’t know well enough, avoid to talk on local or national politics, religion, death and other tragedies.
Mr Block: Some people are interested in local scandals, gossip and divorces.
Mr Bulatov: Exclude them. There are some topics which interest almost everyone and are fairly sure to go well in any company. These are books, the theatre and motion pictures, radio and TV programmes, travel-places visited, scientific achievements and so on.
Mr Block: In other words the worth of the topic depends on the time, the place, and the people you are talking to.
Mr Bulatov: You are right, Mr Block.
Dialogue 2 (Telephone Conversation)
Invitation to a Reception
Operator: Foreign Office. Good afternoon. Can I help you?
Mr Klochek: I’d like to speak to Mr Drake, please.
Operator: Who’s calling, please?
Mr Klochek: Mr Klochek of the Polish Embassy.
Operator: Wait a minute, please. (Pause.) You are through now, Mr Klochek.
Mr Drake: This is Drake speaking.
Mr Klochek: Good afternoon, Mr Drake. Klochek calling.
Mr Drake: Good afternoon, Mr Klochek. How have you been all this time?
Mr Klochek: Very well, thank you. And you?
Mr Drake: Fine, thank you. Since my return from Egypt I have been eager to see you.
Mr Klochek: You will have a chance. I’m calling to invite you and your wife to the reception to be held in our Embassy on Friday, March 27, at 6 p.m.
Mr Drake: What is the occasion?
Mr Klochek: A group of actors from the National Theatre arriving for the performance in this country.
Mr Drake: You mean from the Warsaw Theatre of opera and ballet?
Mr Klochek: Exactly.
Mr Drake: Wonderful. My wife will be delighted.
Mr Klochek: I’ll get the invitation card in the mail early morning tomorrow. We are looking forward to seeing you and your wife. Good-bye.
Mr Drake: Thank you very much, Mr Klochek. Good-bye.
Dialogue 3 (Telephone Conversation)
Invitation to a Dinner
Mr Hunter: Good evening, Mr Won Diem.
Mr Won Diem: Good evening, Mr Hunter. It’s ages I heard from you.
Mr Hunter: I’ve been away for a while. It was a business trip to Thailand.
Mr Won Diem: I’m glad you phoned me.
