Social communication is a very important part of our social skills. Your ability to interact with others easily and freely, with the other party feeling comfortable as well, can be an invaluable asset to you. From time to time, people find themselves in situations where they have to start or participate in informal discussions. This is often known as small talk.
While there are some people who seem to instinctively know how to make small talk, others lack the social skills necessary to deal with small talk effectively or even at all. Since small talk is not focused on any one topic in particular, many people find it difficult to navigate smoothly without stopping like a deer in front of headlights or simply retreating to another location, out of sight.
Situations that require a little talk
There are certain situations in which people will participate in informal conversations. Social settings and events account for the majority of cases where, largely because of expectations for social behavior, you will be asked to interact with others.
For the most part, these will be with people you know little or nothing about other than maybe their name.
For example, conversation starters will come in handy at a party, in an office setting, to strike up a conversation with a member of the opposite sex, and when meeting strangers, whether at a bus stop or while on a flight. In such cases, how well the conversation goes will largely depend on how one or the other breaks the ice.
Advantages of the talks
The advantages of these conversations and discussions cannot be emphasized enough. A talk of this nature can generate many benefits in the future.
In fact, a little chat is one of the best ways to meet new people.
Also, through a little chat, a new interest can develop, friendships can flourish, networking opportunities can be created, and everyone involved can be inspired, making them better people in the future.
With the benefits of these seemingly unimportant (even trivial) talks, it is important that people learn the social skills necessary for such informal communication.
Tips on how to start small talk
Using the following tips will result in friendly chats with strangers that will be fun, informative, and memorable rather than frightening events that are best avoided at all costs.
- Avoid questions that require yes or no answers: Open questions have the advantage of allowing the conversation to flow. Questions that require yes or no answers may end the talk after the answer, leaving an embarrassing silence.
- Develop the conversation: you can ask about the activities or interests that your interlocutor mentions in the course of the conversation. This will help you build the conversation.
- Stay on top of current affairs – Small talk is not based on a particular topic. Therefore, staying up-to-date on various topics will help keep your conversations interesting and informative. Just be sure to avoid controversial topics like religion or politics.
- Listen to the other person – This is an important communication skill, regardless of whether it is small talk or deeper conversation. Paying attention will help you be a good listener, which is an equally important skill.
- Keep your body language in check. Simple things like not crossing your arms, keeping a respectable distance between you and the other person, and smiling help.
- Practice: being shy doesn’t improve your social skills! However, practice will help you become a better person to talk to.
All in all, the next time you’re at the dentist’s office, in line at the bank, at a party or wedding, or any other public event where you meet new people, striking up a conversation shouldn’t be difficult.
With the advice I just gave you on how to get into small talk, you should start to find that things gradually get easier.