Are you hating on small talk? Or, gasp! avoiding it?
You know those engaging folks who can meet someone for the first time and end up getting digits or business cards? They can make merry conversation with just about anyone while waiting for the meeting to start?
They always seem to articulate their thoughts in the most profound and concise manner. And they seem to have the most extraordinary executive presence.
Are they small talk savants? What’s the deal here?
You can be a small talk savant.
Those folks who know how to make incredible conversation at any given moment have merely learned the techniques to do so. Oh, and they’ve practiced them.
And you can too.
Laugh-out loud conversations are good.
Ever since my late teens, I’ve enjoyed having complex, laugh-out-loud conversations with people, whether we’re in line at the deli, sitting together at the bar, or just standing at a “don’t walk” sign. Cab drivers, ticket vendors, airline agents were also not out of my cross-hairs. I love making small talk.
Of course that wasn’t always the case. As a younger person I was really quite shy.
Small talk is essential for networking.
Most of the time, I come away from these conversations with a smile on my face. My day has been made! I’m pretty sure I brightened up the days of those with whom I’ve chatted. I know because their faces are always beaming.
I must’ve gotten it from my dad. My dad always chats with everyone. He makes conversation with every person who crosses his path. He also sang loudly at church. That bit embarrassed me. But the chatting with strangers bug I caught. (I do sing loudly in the shower, though. And in the car.)
Disclaimer: Do not talk to strangers if you’re under 16!
Here, we’re just talking about happiness and enjoying ourselves chatting away with others. But remember small talk is absolutely necessary for networking. your ability to make small talk can make or break you when meeting new people and at job interviews.
Small Talk has a Bad Name
There’s tons of stuff out there about how horrifying small talk is.
Did you ever see the Curb Your Enthusiasm episode on the Stop & Chat? Larry David hated stopping & talking to people about nothing. (I thought that was hilarious!)
Here’s an example of an article where the author perpetuates small talk’s bad name. It’s about small talk & why introverts hate it. In this article, the author states:
“The truth is that small talk allows two people to have an entire conversation without really getting to know each other.”
Pervasive Misconception of Making Small Talk
That’s the pervasive misconception of small talk–that you’re supposed to say superficial things & never learn anything about each other. This couldn’t be further from the truth!
The truth lies here: 3 Steps to Amazing Small Talk & here: Making Small Talk with Ease.
These two articles discuss how to establish strong relationships before you get the stats. The crux is that you should talk about how you feel about a situation or a thing–stuff that people can relate to looooong before you get onto, “What do you do?” “Where are you from?”
Those topics lead to a dull brick wall, and you’ll avoid eye contact with that person next time you see them. Awkward.
So let’s shift our mindset about making small talk and use it to help us succeed in life.
Do you avoid small talk?
Do you hate it? Most of my clients tell me they hate small talk, and when I ask why they say, “I hate talking about the weather.” Or, “It’s so superficial.”
Small talk almost never involves the weather unless you have an awesome segue into something more profound. (Which you should have because people invariably mention the weather when they have no idea what to say!)
And small talk should never be superficial.
How to make small talk to build relationships.
- Have an arsenal of anecdotes.
- Be prepared with segues for the boring stuff.
- Take the attention off yourself without asking questions.
- Use humor, be like a comedian, and comment on the funny parts of life or your situation.
Speak Kindly
Kindness is what we need in the world today. The easiest & simplest way to be kind is to smile at someone & wish them well. Who knows? Maybe that person is suffering & you’ve just made them feel great. It’s a gift you can give to others, making you both feel great.
Obviously, in a huge crowded city, you can’t make eye contact with everyone you meet, but when you’re on line at the deli, you can easily smile & say, “This place makes the best chicken cutlets.” or “I love your necklace!”
The first utterance will cause your listener to tell you what they love about that deli, and the second will likely generate an explanation about the necklace. “Thanks. I got it in Mexico on my honeymoon.”
How To Improve the Sound of Your Voice
Making Small Talk on Social Media
Speak kindly on social media, too! We make small talk with strangers all the time. Respect others’ opinions. Debating is great but do it without hate. Debate to come to a better conclusion.
Supporting others on social is a great way to get more fans/friends and possibly work.
Making Small Talk Builds Strong Relationships
Since there’s such a pervasive misconception about making small talk or chit-chat, most of us don’t know how to do it. Remember that if you feel nervous to start a conversation, chit chat, or comment to a stranger, they are likely feeling the same way. Maybe even worse.
A Comprehensive Guide to Networking for Success
So focus on your simple intention: You’re just trying to make their day a little nicer. Diverting your attention to them instead of worrying about yourself can help with nerves.
When done correctly, we can establish strong relationships that last. This is why I want you to have an arsenal of anecdotes. After practicing them a few times, it’ll be easy enough to develop your own incredible (very) short stories on the spot and engage with new friends with ease.
Be Mindful of Time
No time for making small talk? When you see someone you know, & you don’t have time or the desire to talk, don’t say, “I have to run & pick up the kids!” Or “I have to go take a shower!” Nobody cares what you have to do & it’s possible they have to take a shower & pick up their kids. Don’t be presumptuous, and watch for body language cues, such as fidgeting or glancing at a watch or clock, that suggest the person you’re talking to might be in a hurry.
Here’s what you do:
Offer your hand or fist bump, say, “Hey! So great to see you! What a great time we had last time! Let’s do it again soon.” or “How was the graduation? I was thinking of you all!” All while you’re still walking away like Larry David.
I’ve always struggled with small talk! I hate the uncomfortable feeling I get any time a stranger strikes up a conversation with me. I love the tip recommending to shift to the mindset of how small talk is like making someone’s day a little nicer. This is definitely something that I can put into practice in my own daily life.
Yes! And when we think of small talk, we should think of “relationship building.” And we all need great relationships in our lives. So it’s worth it to hone our stories.
Thank you for your lovely comment, Brittney!
I tend to hate small talk. I never really saw the point of it until reading this. I have a new perspective for the next time I have to small talk with a stranger.
“Make their day nicer.” Great advice!!!
Changed my perspective on small talk right here! I’ve bad-mouthed small talk for as long as I can remember. A lot of missed opportunities.
Yup. Small talk has been misunderstood and demonized for so long.
Nothing worth anything in life is easy. But mastering small talk doesn’t take too much effort. The rewards are exponential!
I’m not a fan of small talk, but after reading this, but now I get it. Thank you!