Small Talk is Big
‘Tis the Season for Small Talk
I think small talk’s bad reputation is underserved. How else do you begin a conversation?
Have you ever started a conversation without saying hello, or asking how they are doing?
Have you ever started a conversation asking: “I was thinking about the Israel - Palestine situation and was wondering about your thoughts?” Especially someone you don’t know well?
Most likely not. You would at least say hello, ask how they are doing, then ease into the serious part of a discussion.
Then there are real situations where people (some I know better than others), have:
Immediately asked me if I could help them find a job
Began talking about their political beliefs and criticizing mine and then….
Asked me to introduce them to someone they wanted to meet
Small talk is what gets a conversation going. It helps you get to know people. Starting slowly, it will lead to the meaty conversation.
Small talk will give you clues whether to go deeper or politely end the conversation. There are clues when you’re having small talk whether or not you need (or want) to go deeper.
Starting a conversation about the weather may be cliche, but it does get the ball rolling. Asking what someone is watching on Netflix may give you ideas of what to watch.
This season is a great time to practice your small talk. You never know when your small talk will turn in to big talk.
