This episode explores the crucial role of relationships in achieving career success. Against the backdrop of a newly launched professional English course, the hosts discuss the importance of mastering small talk and asking effective follow-up questions to build connections. More significantly, they highlight the awkwardness that can arise from failing to engage in such conversational follow-ups, emphasizing the need for active listening and genuine interest. For instance, through a series of role-playing scenarios, they demonstrate how simple, open-ended questions can significantly extend conversations and foster rapport. The hosts then delve into the unique features of their course, which combines fluency training with professional communication skills, offering practical exercises and real-world examples from interviews with native speakers across various industries. What this means for professionals is a practical framework for enhancing communication skills and building valuable relationships, ultimately contributing to career advancement.