Pat and Gerard met each other for the first time in a business meeting. As a conversation starter, they shared factual and statistical information about their individual projects. Which conversational ritual was being used by them?

report talk

Explanation:

The conversation between Pat and Gerard is a classic example of report talk, where the individuals included in the conversation simply state facts about various things, giving little to no emotions into what they talk about.

This conversation ritual is opposed to rapport talk, where emotions and empathy are infused in the conversation.