How Can You Master Small Talk?
To help you become a master at small talk, we’ve gathered insights from ten experts, including founders, CEOs, and community managers. They share their wisdom on everything from encouraging others to open up to using F.O.R.D. as a guideline. Dive into their invaluable advice to enhance your conversational skills.
- Encouraging Others to Open Up
- Respecting Boundaries and Comfort Levels
- Asking Engaging Questions
- Having Curiosity and Knowledge
- Learning Through Practice and Adaptation
- Approaching as an Introvert
- Paying Attention to Context and Kindness
- Being a Memorable Small Talker
- Improvising Your Approach to Small Talk
- Using F.O.R.D. as a Guideline
Encouraging Others to Open Up
In order to master small talk, I’ve learned that it’s more about active listening than being the most talkative person in the room.
It’s about encouraging the other person to open up, finding common ground, and showing genuine interest. For example, instead of merely asking about the weather, I delve into shared experiences or interests, bringing richer topics to the conversation.
As a life coach, my expertise in emotional intelligence has been invaluable. It helps me to sense and appropriately respond to the feelings of others, resulting in more engaging, insightful, and meaningful exchanges.
Bayu Prihandito
Psychology Expert, Life Coach, and Founder, Life Architekture
Respecting Boundaries and Comfort Levels
Most people feel comfortable in my company, which also shows in small talk. The key to success is respecting their boundaries.
Everyone has different comfort levels and preferences regarding social interactions. Small talk is no exception to the rule. Being sensitive to other people’s boundaries creates a safe space and an enjoyable small-talk experience.
It’s also a good way to build trust and make others open up. When people feel their boundaries are respected, they are much more likely to share their thoughts and feelings during the conversation.
The ability to navigate someone’s boundaries effectively in small talk translates to respectful communication in all areas of life. We’re all very different, so it may not always be easy. Still, it’s worth the effort. Small talk is often the first step to building lasting relationships.
Agata Szczepanek
Community Manager, MyPerfectResume
Asking Engaging Questions
The key to being a master of casual conversation is asking your interlocutors questions about themselves. Start simple; ask your conversation partner, “What did you do during the weekend?” Remember to listen carefully to what they have to say, as your next question should be based on the new information provided.
If they mention going to a concert, you can ask them more about their interest in music. “What kind of music do you listen to? Who are your favorite artists? Do you play any instruments yourself?” If they mention spending time with their family, ask them a follow-up question about that. “Do you have a big family? What do you enjoy doing together? Do you have siblings?”
As long as you ask questions and take an interest in the responses you’re getting, you can excel at small talk with anyone in any situation.
Maja Kowalska
Community Manager, Zety
Having Curiosity and Knowledge
Mastering small talk was not an overnight process, but I have found a few strategies that helped me improve greatly over time. The key, in my experience, is genuine curiosity. I approach each conversation with a genuine interest in learning about the other person. I ask open-ended questions that prompt detailed responses and then listen actively, showing empathy and understanding.
I make a conscious effort to stay informed about various subjects, from global news to recreational activities to trending topics. This diverse knowledge base equips me with an array of conversation sparks.
Yet, my principal focus is always on the individual I’m interacting with, ensuring they feel listened to and appreciated. I have come to learn that the goal of small talk isn’t just to fill the silence—it’s to build rapport and connection.
Khurram Mir
Founder and Chief Marketing Officer, Kualitatem Inc.
Learning Through Practice and Adaptation
Mastering the art of small talk is all about practice, and for me, that practice came in an unexpected form: interviewing thousands of people looking for apartments in NYC in my early to mid-twenties.
During this time, I was constantly meeting new people, each with their own stories, backgrounds, and perspectives. The sheer volume of interactions forced me to learn how to establish rapport quickly, navigate different conversation styles, and find common ground.
What made this experience valuable was the diversity of the people I met. New York City is a melting pot, and the variety of individuals I encountered helped me develop a flexible and adaptable approach to small talk. I learned how to ask the right questions, listen actively, and engage, which made each person feel comfortable and heard.
Nader Jaber
Founder, FlyNumber
Approaching as an Introvert
Mastering small talk, particularly as an introvert, was a personal challenge. I transformed this by reframing how I viewed small talk—not as frivolous chatter, but as an opportunity to learn about others and build connections.
My strategy is based on the idea that everyone has a story or a passion that they love to talk about. My job is to find that topic. Instead of sticking to typical small talk subjects like the weather or current events, I ask open-ended questions that give people the chance to share something meaningful about themselves.
Questions like, “What’s the favorite part of what you do?” or “What’s something exciting you’re working on?” can often open up more enriching, engaging dialogues and take the pressure off me to fill the conversation. As an introvert, I found that this approach allows me to apply my listening skills and genuinely connect with people on a deeper level.
Matt Janaway
CEO, Marketing Labs
Paying Attention to Context and Kindness
I have mastered small talk in my professional life. I pay attention to the context of the discussion and react based on the details given in order to excel at small talk. I now know some common and safe conversation starters, like the weather, hobbies, movies, current events, and more.
I steer the topic in a natural direction by posing open-ended questions that invite more discussion. I place a high value on using compassionate language to keep the dialogue positive.
I modify my comments according to the person I’m speaking to, considering both their interests and the flow of the conversation. To keep the talk light and fun, I avoid touchy subjects and controversial viewpoints.
When appropriate, I use light humor to help the talk flow and set a more laid-back tone. The success of the conversation also depends on your own active participation and social skills.
Joe Li
Managing Director, CheckYa
Being a Memorable Small Talker
A “Small Talker” needs to be up-to-date on current events, soft political issues, funny stories in the news, and social media trends. Confidence and high self-esteem help as well. A good small talker must have a relaxed posture.
Being stiff does not draw people in to want to talk to you. When you approach someone, find something to compliment them on, such as their smile, fashion sense, or a piece of jewelry they are wearing.
Share a brief comment or thought and ask the person what they think about it. The topic can be as simple as the weather or who just won a sporting event. People dislike a big-mouthed know-it-all.
They also don’t like people who monopolize the conversation and do not allow anyone else to chime in. Be sure to share genuine smiles and be a good listener. When people remember you, it should be for the conversation they had with you.
People will remember what you said before they can find the business card you gave them. Small talk is an art. Get out your colorful brushes.
Beth Smith
Life Coach and Owner, Thriving With Resilience
Improvising Your Approach to Small Talk
I take a “yes-and” approach to small talk. That means I treat it like an improv game. I try to move the conversation forward by playing off what the other person says. Small talk is not the place for confrontation or heady discussion.
I try to go with the flow while still adding to the conversation. That means I ask a lot of questions without really challenging the premise behind what the other person is saying. This approach has made small talk easier, more effective, and much more fun. And that’s really what people want out of small talk.
Temmo Kinoshita
Co-Founder, Lindenwood Marketing
Using F.O.R.D. as a Guideline
When making small talk, always remember F.O.R.D.: Family, Occupation, Dreams, and Recreation. Anything within these categories is typically a great and engaging discussion starter.
If unsure that a person enjoys chatting about family, start with recreation. In the workplace, it’s pointless to inquire about occupational topics since we’re already at work. Many people also avoid talking about their employment when they’re not at work, especially if they have mundane professions that require them to sit at a desk all day.
Dreams and ambitions are also pleasant topics, as most people are open to sharing their life outlooks and goals. Always try to keep them engaged and talking about themselves, but when it’s your turn to speak, share some of your own experiences that connect with their responses.
Samantha Hawrylack
Founder, How To FIRE
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