The Art of Small Talk

Many articles have looked at the importance of making a good first impression. In this article, we will be exploring the next step in socializing which is making small talk.

What is small talk?

Small talk is an easy going, light hearted and casual conversation about everyday happenings and occurrences. It deals with general topics that is relevant to the general individual. Most people should be able to participate in the conversation.

How do you start?

Asking a question is always a great place to start. Ask open ended questions which trigger a response. You could alternatively make a statement, give an opinion or state a fact.

Here are some dos and don’ts of small talk

Do talk about topics such as business, situations, travel, background, food, sports, cars, movies, entertainment or hobbies.

Don’t talk about topics including religion, politics, personal questions such as age and income, appearance, race or make crude inappropriate jokes if the occasion does not call for it.

Here are some things you could do to be better at engaging in small talk

Practice Practice Practice

Engage in conversation with people whom you come across, be it cashiers, waiters, people you’re in line with, neighbors, co-workers and kids. Chat with people dissimilar to yourself, from seniors to teens to tourists. Force yourself to get into small talk situations. Accept invitations, or even host your own very own meeting or gathering.

Be Well Read and become More Involved

How do expect to contribute to and be involved in a conversation if you are ignorant of the issue involved? Television, music, sports, fashion, art and poetry are great topics. Everything is a source of information that can be discussed. Noticed that the people most skilled in conversation usually have an opinion for most topics.

Even if you don’t like something, that too can be an interesting source for a conversation. Expand your horizons, try a new recipe, paint a picture or bake a pie. Try something new each and every day.

Become a Better listener

Listen more than you talk. Attentive listening can bring up many opportunities for making small talk. Did she just say that she suffers from serious headaches? Did he mention his favorite basketball team? Take your time during introductions. Make an extra effort to remember the other person’s name names and use it frequently.

Remember, the more you practice, the better you are at it. The more you know, the more you know you can talk about. The more you listen, the more you can focus on the other person’s interests. This will help you become more confidence; overcome any traces of shyness and any feelings of fear.

Small talk can and is a huge challenge for most people. However, some preparation and confidence is all that you require. Resources such as the Better Interpersonal Communication Blog will definitely be beneficial to your quest to be a better conversationalist in the art of small talk. A skilled small talker will come across as a more open and friendly person, as compared to a person who does not say much during social situations.

Remember, the points stipulated above are not hard and fast rules. You have to keep in mind that you are communicating with real people; people who do not act according to established rules and may, and probably will, act and think irrationally at times. Keep practicing and be more confident and you will definately become better than what you could have ever imagined.