Coffee Culture and Business Meetings: Why They Go Hand in Hand

Level: Advanced • Date: April 13, 2025

Read the article aloud on your own or repeat each paragraph after your tutor.

Why Coffee is More Than a Drink

Across the world, coffee is more than a drink—it’s a daily ritual and a social tool. In many places, it also plays an important role in business. From Seoul to Seattle, grabbing a coffee has become a common way to start meetings, build relationships, and make decisions.

The Power of the Coffee Meeting

A Relaxed Start to Business

Why is this so effective? Sharing coffee creates a relaxed environment where people feel more open. It breaks the ice and lowers stress, which helps everyone speak more honestly. Whether you’re meeting a new client or checking in with a coworker, a cup of coffee sets a friendly tone.

Cultural Importance

In some countries, skipping the coffee chat might seem rude or rushed. In South Korea, for example, it’s common to go for coffee before or after official meetings. This time is seen as a chance to bond, share opinions, or ask important questions in a less formal setting.

Building Trust Through Casual Connection

Coffee culture isn’t just about the drink—it’s about creating space for human connection. Business is built on trust, and trust grows faster in casual, comfortable conversations.

A Simple Way to Improve Communication

So next time you plan a meeting, consider suggesting a coffee. It might lead to better communication—and better results.

Vocabulary Words

ritual (noun) – a repeated action with meaning
Having coffee before work is a daily ritual for many.
social tool (noun) – something used to connect with others
Coffee is a powerful social tool in business.
build relationships (verb phrase) – create connections with others
We use coffee meetings to build relationships with clients.
break the ice (phrase) – make people feel more comfortable
Telling a joke can help break the ice.
tone (noun) – the mood or feeling of a situation
Coffee sets a friendly tone for discussions.
coworker (noun) – someone you work with
I had coffee with a coworker to discuss the new project.
bond (verb) – to grow closer emotionally or socially
We bonded over our shared love of coffee.
informal (adj) – relaxed, not official or serious
The conversation was informal but helpful.
trust (noun) – belief in someone’s honesty or reliability
Trust is important in any business relationship.
connection (noun) – a link or relationship between people
Coffee meetings help build real connections.

Open-Ended Discussion Questions

What role does coffee play in your work or daily life?
Do you think coffee meetings help communication? Why or why not?
How do people in your country usually start business meetings?
Can you think of a time when a casual chat helped solve a problem?
What are other social tools besides coffee that help in business?

Suggested Idiom or Phrase

“Break the ice” – to start a conversation or make people feel comfortable
Example: Having coffee together helped break the ice before the meeting.

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