Small talk is a brief and casual conversation that we have with someone before we get to more substantial topics. Small talk is not about showing off your encyclopedic knowledge or impressing people with your intelligence. It’s all about showing off your personality, character, and communication style. And if you’re wondering when to engage in small talk, the answer is pretty much all the time. Small talk is an essential part of both business and social life. It helps us find friends or business partners. Whether you’re meeting someone for the first time or running into an old friend, small talk is the perfect icebreaker.
Remembering Names
It’s important to remember people’s names when engaging in small talk. If you forget someone’s name, it’s okay to politely ask them to remind you. But don’t say you forgot it, phrase it in a way that shows you’re interested in them.
Read the Room
Different situations call for different topics of conversation. Small talk at a funeral will have a different tone than small talk at a party. It’s important to assess the situation and adjust accordingly.
Don’t Interrupt
When engaged in small talk, it’s important to be a good listener. Interrupting someone can make them feel disrespected and unimportant. So wait for them to finish their thought before chiming in.
Eye Contact
Eye contact shows that you are paying attention to the person you’re talking to. It’s a sign of respect and interest. The person we are talking to should be the most important person in the world for us at that moment. But be mindful of cultural differences. Eye contact is common in Europe and the USA. In Asia, it may not be appropriate.
Nonverbal Communication
Nodding, smiling, and agreeing – the holy trinity of small talk. When not actively speaking, nonverbal communication is still important. If we are not speaking, we nod in agreement, smile, or say something occasionally to show that we agree. For example, “uh-huh,” “exactly,” “I agree,” and so on. If we are silent with a stone face, we may appear to disagree or judge our companion.
Inclusive Conversation
When in a group, try to engage everyone in the conversation. Choose topics that are of interest to everyone present, and make sure no one feels left out.
Don’t Just Hear, Listen
When someone is speaking to you, actively listen to what they have to say. Don’t think about what you’ll say next, but instead focus on what they’re saying. This will help you respond in a more thoughtful and engaging way.
Be Specific
When answering questions, try to provide specific details. This will give the other person more information to work with and will help keep the conversation going.
Boundaries
If someone asks a question that you’re uncomfortable answering, it’s okay to politely decline. Either explain that you’d rather not talk about that subject, or redirect the conversation to a different topic. It’s up to us what we talk about and what we don’t. We won’t get involved in a debate we don’t want to be in.
Listen More, Talk Less
Don’t feel the need to fill every second of silence with your own words. Sometimes it’s best to just listen and let the other person talk. You might learn something new, and they’ll appreciate your attention.
Honest Communication
When engaging in small talk, be honest and authentic. Don’t pretend to know about something you don’t, or pretend to be someone you’re not. People appreciate genuine conversation and can tell when someone is being fake.
Make Them Feel Comfortable
Make the person you’re talking to feel comfortable and at ease. Avoid topics that could be sensitive or controversial, and make an effort to show that you’re interested in what they have to say.
Show You Care
Demonstrate that you care about the other person and what they have to say. Ask follow-up questions and show that you’re actively engaged in the conversation. It will make them feel valued and appreciated.
Let’s reflect on the idea from the book “The Serious Business of Small Talk”:
There are only two types of people in the world. The first type is the one who enters a room and says, “Well, here I am!” The second type is the one who says, “Ahh, there you are!” Which of these two types do you want to be?
Share on social media:
