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- Try being completely honest. This isn’t an excuse to be mean, but being completely honest can help to refresh your conversation and move on from small talk.
- Don’t reply on autopilot. When someone asks, “How are you?” we’ll almost always reply with some variation on “Fine” or “Busy” before returning the question.
- Have some ideas. Trying to come up with meaningful and interesting topics instantly can be tough. Make life easier for yourself by having some thoughts or topics that you’d like to talk about.
- Relate topics to the wider world. Even topics that are typically “small talk” can become meaningful if you can relate them to society in general. This can be a great way to make a conversation deeper without having to change the subject.
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?
Dec 15, 2022 · Emotionally Intelligent People Don't Do Small Talk. Here's What They Do Instead. Want to be more emotionally intelligent? Learn how to engage in smart conversation--the type that helps you...
- Remind yourself that small talk has a purpose. “I don’t understand small talk. It’s just saying things for the sake of it” Making small talk can feel meaningless, but that doesn’t mean that it is.
- Practice small talk during ‘wasted’ time. One of the reasons I used to dislike small talk was that it felt like it was taking time away from things I would rather be doing.
- Reduce your anxiety. For many people, especially those with social anxiety, being in a situation where small talk is expected can be deeply stressful.
- Learn to move beyond small talk. Small talk can be especially difficult when you’re already feeling lonely. This kind of surface-level interaction can contrast badly against the kinds of deep, meaningful conversations you’re craving.
Dec 20, 2019 · 1. Try these 7 conversation openers. Use your surroundings or situation to come up with things to say. You can start with something simple, like this: Ask a simple question: “Do you know where the closest Starbucks is?” Talk about a shared experience: “That meeting/seminar went into overtime.”
May 6, 2024 · Small talk refers to the informal, polite, light conversations people have when they don't know each other well (or at all). Although such social transactions generally focus on inconsequential topics, they're an important way to make connections, build rapport, and nurture relationships.
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Jun 1, 2023 · Small talk can make us happier and healthier—but some people dread the awkward silences. Experts dispense tips on how to get better at it. No more awkward silences.
