Small Talk Strategies

Small Talk

• Integral part of daily communication
• Important in social and professional environment
• Expected in many contexts
• Passing by someone
  • With boss in elevator
  • At a networking event
• Establishes a connection
• Breaks awkward silences

How to initiate

• Short greeting of ‘Hi how are you’
  • A greeting of acknowledgment of someone’s presence

• “Fluffy light communication topics”
  • The weather
  • A sports game
  • New music

• Have a good approach
  • Smile
  • Catch their eye
  • Speak clearly

How to respond

• Listen effectively
  • Respond to others before inputting own story
  • Don’t finish their sentences
  • Show understanding

• Read environmental cues-different in different cases
  • Interviewers-highlight your ability to work with others
  • Employer& Professor- show interest in them as a person to create connection
  • Co-worker- create sense of community
  • Group small talk- Pay attention to all participants

• Nonverbally
  • Make appropriate eye contact
  • Keep focus

How to survive it

• Take a deep breath
• Avoid uncomfortable topics
  • Politics
  • Religion
• Don’t mirror rude responses
• Know it will not last long
• Keep a friendly demeanor