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What is small talk & why is it important?
Why do people make small talk?
What makes a good small talk?
How does small talk work?
Why do people hate small talk?
Why is talking to people important?
Jan 18, 2020 · Some people hate small talk because they perceive it as a waste of time, but is it actually an important social skill?
- Why Small Talk, With Almost Anyone, Is So Rewarding
Research confirms that small talk is an activity most people...
- Why Small Talk, With Almost Anyone, Is So Rewarding
Dec 20, 2019 · Because every meaningful relationship in life starts with small talk. In the following steps, we’ll teach you how to talk to anyone, what to talk about, and why small talk is necessary. So settle in, and let’s dissect small talk and why it’s worthwhile.
6 days ago · Why is Small Talk Important? Think of small talk as a bridge. It lets you connect with others on a basic level, fostering a sense of ease and familiarity. Here’s why this seemingly simple skill holds so much power: Building Connections and Rapport. At its core, small talk is a way to find common ground with others.
- Best Small Talk Topics
- Worst Small Talk Topics
- How to Start Small Talk
- A Word From Verywell
Weather
Although talking about the weather may seem mundane, it is a good neutral topic that everyone can discuss. Did a big storm just blow through? Are you in the middle of a heatwave? Look no further than outside your door for conversation starters such as: Lovely day, don't you think? Looks like rain is in the forecast. Did you order this beautiful weather? Practice making small talk about the weather by asking someone one of these questions the next time you find yourself in the middle of an awkward silence. They may open up other topics as the conversation progresses.
Arts and Entertainment
Arts and entertainment topics that are good conversation starters include: Movies and television shows Popular restaurants Popular music Books Examples of things you might ask are: Are you reading any great books? I could use some recommendations. Are there any podcasts you love? Have you tried any new apps or games lately that you really like? I could use some suggestions. Skip talking about movies, television, or books that your conversation partner has not seen or read. If no one else has seen the movie, don't go into detail about the plot or the funny scenes. Find some common ground and build your discussion from there. You might have to ask several people before you get someone interested in talking with you—that's okay. Be okay with rejection, or actually seek it out. It's all just practice, after all. Remember that small talk is about building a bridge between you and another person. It doesn't matter so much what you talk about, but rather that you start talking.
Sports
Sports topics are good things to talk about with people you don't know very well. They can include: Favorite or local teams Sporting events Tournaments or championships Keep track of what sports are played during which seasons—such as football, soccer, hockey, and golf—so you are on top of the current action. The Olympic Games are always a good option if they are taking place as everyone is sure to be buzzing about them. If your conversation partner supports a rival team, avoid trash-talking. Instead, focus on keeping your discussion on things like team or player performance. Ask someone, "Did you catch that golf tournament over the weekend?" While this might feel uncomfortable the first few times you do it, eventually, it will feel more natural to you.
Finances
Asking personal financial questions of people you've just met is inappropriate. It is fine to ask what someone does for work or the positive aspects of that career, but do not ask about their salary. Most people will find this question intrusive and inappropriate, and it may bring up some bad vibes if they have financial stress.
Politics and Religion
The problem with talking about politics is that you never know who in the crowd may have strong opinions. Stay away from this topic unless you want to risk ending up in the middle of a heated conversation. Religion is another extremely personal and potentially sensitive topic that should be avoided.
Sex
Talking about sex or asking questions of an intimate nature is inappropriate during small talk. When talking with strangers, avoid talking openly about sexual topics and refrain from making sexual innuendos. Both are likely to make others uncomfortable.
There are a number of things you can do to help make small talk easier, whether you are meeting new people or dealing with social anxiety at a party. Asking open-ended questions and engaging in active listening can help you have great conversations with new people.
Some good small talk questions that can help initiate a conversation include:
•What do you do?
•Where did you grow up?
•Do you have any pets?
•Have you been enjoying the nice weather?
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of small talk? Small talk is a good way to start a conversation with someone you don't know or don't know well. If the talk progresses, it can even start a friendship. Small talk is also a good way to pass the time in certain situations, such as when waiting in line at the store. How do you avoid small talk? If small talk makes you truly uncomfortable, you can avoid it by politely excusing yourself from the conversation. If you are engaged in a book or have your earbuds in, it's also less likely that someone will try to start a conversation with you. That said, if your goal in avoiding small talk is to have more meaningful conversations, asking open-ended questions is a good way to prompt a more in-depth discussion. How do you get better at making small talk? Practice, practice, and practice some more. Like anything in life, if you want to get better at making small talk, you benefit from doing it more often. One way you can practice making small talk is to try starting a conversation with people you don't know whenever you can. Stores, waiting rooms, and other public places are good places to practice your small talk skills. Why do introverts hate small talk? Some introverts hate small talk because they're shy and talking with people they don't know makes them feel uncomfortable. Others simply prefer to be alone and find social interactions mentally draining. Introverts also tend to enjoy deeper conversations more. So, small talk might not stimulate them mentally. Learn More: How to Tell You Are an Introvert What are the three parts of small talk? Small talk involves three parts: an ice breaker (which initiates the conversation), rapport (where you ask further questions to continue the conversation), and an exit (which involves gracefully ending the conversation). By Arlin Cuncic, MA Arlin Cuncic, MA, is the author of "Therapy in Focus: What to Expect from CBT for Social Anxiety Disorder" and "7 Weeks to Reduce Anxiety." She has a Master's degree in psychology.
Nov 16, 2020 · The big benefits of small talk. Casual conversations can sometimes lead us to moments of real connection. News director and radio host Kyle Kellams explains how. Small talk is seen by many of us as the cotton candy of conversation: artificial, unsubstantial and ultimately unsatisfying.
- 15 min
- Mary Halton
WHY do people make small talk? There are a few different reasons why people use small talk. The first, and most obvious, is to break an uncomfortable silence. Another reason, however, is simply to fill time. That is why it is so common to make small talk when you are waiting for something. Some people make small talk in order to be polite.
Nov 30, 2023 · Research confirms that small talk is an activity most people enjoy more than they anticipate they will. Here's how to make it a positive part of your life.
