I believe that one of the best ways to connect with people and build quality relationships is making conversations. Although most people can hold a conversation, only a few are smooth when they talk. I have discovered five simple and effective ways to be a smooth talker. Here they are：

       Talk slowly.

       Generally, good talkers don't rush into a conversation. {#blank#}1{#/blank#}They act as if they had all the time in the world. This makes them  come off as centred and collected. Model this way of talking and you will create the same effect.

       Hold more eye contact.

       Most people keep eye contact about 2/3 of the time or less when they talk.{#blank#}2{#/blank#}This will convey confidence and interest in interacting with them.

       {#blank#}3{#/blank#}

       People with good conversation skills tend to notice the kind of things that the average person doesn't notice, and to bring such details into the conversation. They may notice and point out an interesting ring on the other person's hand, a certain foreign accent, or a certain voice tone they use when saying a name. Thus, such individuals impress people in a very elegant manner.

       Express your emotions.

       {#blank#}4{#/blank#}Express your feelings about those facts. Keep in mind that it is at the emotional level that people connect best.

       Use the best words.

       The ability to talk smoothly has a lot to do with choosing the precise words to convey your precise feelings or thoughts.{#blank#}5{#/blank#} It will help you develop a way with words and allow you to express yourself more easily.

       Conversational skills don't improve just like that. It takes time, practice and the ability to learn at a rapid rate from your own experiences.

A  Don't just present the facts. You're not a newspaper.

B  It's a very good idea to hold eye contact just a bit more than that.

C  Notice the details.

D  It is important to improve conversational skills.

E  Offer interesting news.

F  They take their time when they reflect on something and when they say it out loud.

G  Develop your vocabulary and practise communicating as accurately as possible.

—Through one of your colleagues.                                   

Does stress cause gray hair？Many people believe that tension and stress can cause your hair to lose its color.In fact，it is an_old_wives'_tale that being upset all the time can result in premature graying.Here is a closer look at this situation and why some believe that this old wives' tale could be true.

       As one ages，the hairs on the head also age.In fact，just about everything on the human body begins to show signs of wear and tear after a while.The joints wear and become stiff and skin wears and becomes wrinkled.Hairs on the head grow and eventually die.They are replaced，but in the process something else happens.

      When new hairs are replaced，the color or pigment (色素) is also added to them.However，as one ages，this pigment becomes less and less available.At first，hairs will have a limited amount of pigment and they will appear to be grayish in color.In time，they will lose all of their pigment and will be white.Many things are known to cause graying，and genetics is a very powerful factor.If one of your parents turns gray at an early age，there is a good chance that you will too.Some people begin the graying process in high school，while others may be over the age of forty.

      Constant worry and tension can have many harmful effects on the human body.It is a known fact that stressful times can cause one to suffer hair loss.It would make sense that if it can cause these problems，perhaps it also may contribute to graying.However，there is no sound evidence to support this.

       On the other hand，many medical professionals believe that there may be a link between graying and a constant state of anxiety or tension.Does stress cause gray hair？There is no scientific evidence to support the theory，but it is best to avoid stressful situations.

Susanin Her New Flat

(Thebell rings. Susan's mother is at the door. )

Mother：Hello, dear. Oh ! I see I've arrivedtoo late. You've almost completely settled in.

Susan：Not quite. By the way，I didn't expect you {#blank#}1{#/blank#}(come)here  to work. Come in! I'll show you theflat. This is the living  room, {#blank#}2{#/blank#}isn't completely finished yet，butit's comfortable  enough to receive myfriends，isn't{#blank#}3{#/blank#}？

Mother：Well, of course ! And that largebalcony (阳台)is {#blank#}4{#/blank#}(real) very useful. You should plant some flowers there.

Susan：Don't worry, mom. I {#blank#}5{#/blank#}(plant) somesoon. But come and  have a look at mybedroom. For the moment there is only a bed and a cupboard，butyou'll see，whenI've got some {#blank#}6{#/blank#} (bookshelf) and a desk I'll be able to work quite nicely.

Mother：And what's more, quite a goodbathroom!

Susan：I must say I looked {#blank#}7{#/blank#} nearly sixmonths. I asked estate agents and friends and went through advertisements.

Mother：I hope the rent isn't too {#blank#}8{#/blank#}.

Susan：No, it's quite {#blank#}9{#/blank#}(reason). But I'vebeen lucky because  most of the flats I{#blank#}10{#/blank#}(offer) were less comfortable and the rents were too high.

Mother：You've done very well! You're reallyvery lucky.