Hints for Making Small Talk

The ability to make small talk may come naturally to some and be difficult for others but it is a skill that can be obtained with a little bit of practice and confidence.  The opportunity to make small talk presents itself on a daily basis in our lives.  Anytime you are out and about, you have the opportunity to make small talk with those around you.  While sometimes it’s just a matter of politeness that leads you to engage in small talk, it can also be a great networking opportunity for you.  Practicing your small talk skills on a daily basis will give you the confidence you need to approach potential clients or colleagues at important networking events.  Also, it is important to make sure that your body language conveys a sense of confidence.  If you appear timid or uncomfortable you may put others on edge as well but if you appear confident it will help the other person to relax.  If you are unsure of yourself and hesitant to make small talk with strangers you may find yourself missing out on many opportunities in both your career and social life.  However, confidence in your ability to make small talk can put you in a great position for advancement in your career and social life.Making Conversation 

Having confidence in yourself is critical to being able to make small talk.  Keep in mind that the other person you are chatting with is probably just as uncomfortable as you are so don’t assume that they are more eloquent speaker than you are and be afraid to approach them.  Confidence is key to making small talk because without confidence, you may simply choose not to engage in small talk when the opportunity presents itself.  A lack of confidence may lead you to avoid approaching others and discourage others from approaching you.  If you lack the confidence necessary to make small talk you may miss out on meeting a lot of new people. 

Keeping abreast of current events is another tip for making small talk.  Watch the news and read newspapers on a regular basis.  This will keep you informed of newsworthy local and world events.  This is important because current events can be a very easy subject for small talk.  Being aware of what is going on in the world will make you seem educated and will prove that you are a concerned citizen who takes an interest in important issues.  Also, being aware of current events is critical to being able to make small talk because it allows you to speak intelligently on a wide variety of subjects.  Keep in mind that you don’t always have to be the one to start a conversation so it’s not enough to have a few tidbits of information prepared for small talk.  You also have to be ready and able to respond to whatever subject your companion brings up in an attempt to engage you in small talk.  If you keep yourself informed of a wide variety of subjects by utilizing newspapers, the Internet and news programs, you will find yourself more prepared to engage in small talk. 

Listening is also a very important tip for making small talk.  It is one thing to be able to strike up a conversation but it is another thing to really keep up a conversation, especially with a stranger.  One way to maintain a conversation is to really listen to your companion.  Listening carefully will ensure that you hear all the details that your companion offers.  Use the information that you obtain to expand the conversation by asking questions about something they said earlier in the conversation or offering a personal anecdote that relates to a story they have just told you.  Listening really enhances your ability to make small talk for a number of reasons.  First it gives you ways to expand the conversation by asking pertinent questions or relating a story they tell to a personal experience.  Listening also helps you make small talk by encouraging the other person to continue talking.  If they can tell you are really interested in what they have to say because you are listening so intently, they will be encouraged to maintain the conversation instead of making an excuse to end the conversation quickly. 

Finally, the key to making small talk is knowing when and how to end the conversation.  Small talk isn’t meant to last very long and it can become tedious and uncomfortable if it extends past a certain amount of time.  Even if things are going well and both parties are enjoying the small talk, ending the conversation before it begins to wane is important.  If you are uncomfortable saying goodbye or ending a conversation have a few well rehearsed exit lines to end the conversation quickly.The Fine Art of Small Talk: How To Start a Conversation, Keep It Going, Build Networking Skills -- and Leave a Positive Impression! 

Small talk is an important part of our daily lives.  While it can be avoided, it is really not anything to be afraid of and small talk can lead to exciting developments in your career and social life.  Engaging in small talk makes you seem more approachable and if you are able to make small talk with ease, people will be more inclined to let you in on potential business deals or let you know about social events that they are aware of in the area.  Never underestimate the power or small talk and never assume that you are not capable of making small talk.