6 Ways to Practice Small Talk

Small talks are something most people hate, yet when done right, it’s a wonderful way to get to know people and build a friendly atmosphere. Moreover, it’s really just a warm-up before you dive into proper conversations. 

1) PRACTICE SMALL TALKS EVERYWHERE

Let’s face it, you can’t improve without practice. Being good at small talks is a mixture of being able to initiate conversations to keeping good conversations flowing.

Leaving the practice for the actual networking events and parties is like not practising boxing until you enter the ring. I think we both agree that it would be foolish.

Small talks are no different.

2) STOP TRYING TO BE INTERESTING, BUT RATHER BE INTERESTED

Many people feel a massive pressure when it comes to small talks because they feel like they have to be super interesting and entertaining.

Yet, the best way to kill a conversation is to make it all about yourself.
Think about it. A stranger shows up and starts talking to you about himself. You’d be like “Ermmm, I didn’t ask.”

But, if you want to get the person to engage in a conversation, be curious, ask them appropriate questions, shut up and listen.

3) ASK THE RIGHT QUESTIONS

The best questions are the ones that are relevant to what’s happening around. I call the situational questions. Just look around and ask something that makes sense.

“How do you know “name” (the host, the person who’s celebrating, performer, etc.)?

It can be a question about the place, the occasion, something that happened earlier or will happen.

A great way to start a conversation is to compliment something about the person and then ask them about it.

Keep it light.
Keep it relatable.

4) BUILD ON OR BRANCH OUT OF THE SMALL TALK

When you touch on a topic, think about what would be the next logical question that is relevant to the last topic. Where could the conversation branch off to?

If you’re at a birthday garden party and you asked about how the person knows the birthday girl, and they said it’s through work, you can then ask:
– about what they do.
– how long they’ve been friends.
– how they met.
– if they’ve been to other garden parties.
– whether they are making the most of the summer.

The opportunities are endless, yet they are all somewhat connected to what you’ve just talked about.

Being genuinely curious while not being intrusive is the best approach.

People have amazing stories and know interesting things.
Tap into that, and they will do all the talking, and you will actually look like someone who is genuinely interested.

Just see it as getting to know someone.

5) SMALL TALK TOPICS TO AVOID

There are some topics that are just better to avoid initially as it usually totally alienates the conversation. I’ve been on both ends of it.

A) Talking about controversial topics. With topics like politics, religion, war, and anything similar where you can expect high polarity (and less understanding) you’re running into the dangerous territory of widening the differences between you two or even sparking an argument. That’s not going to help. This is not the time for you to be right or preach what’s right.

B) Giving advice. Occasionally you’ll speak with someone who has something on their chest and will share with you more about what they are going through. As tempting as it may be, resist to be a smart ass and start giving them advice (especially if you’re a coach. We are so guilty of this). Nothing wrong with you wanting to help. But firstly, you don’t know if the person is ready. Secondly, it’s most likely, not the right time and environment for it.

C) Deep Topics. Save your deep and meaningful convos for your discussion group or your friends. I was in situations where I was at a party and people started to talk to me about death, alien life, conspiracy theories, consciousness etc. I love all that stuff, but not when I’m out to have a good time. If someone says “Okayyyy, I’m going to join my friends now.” You’ve probably gone too deep.

6) IF THE SMALL TALK IS PAINFUL, LEAVE

Sometimes, small talks don’t go well even when you’re doing your best.
It may not be your fault. Sometimes people are just not interested or are plain boring or antisocial, or who knows. Don’t feel obliged to wrestle with them. Give it a good shot, and if you sense lack of interest, walk away.

Just say, “Okayyyy, good chatting with you, I’m going to join my friends now. See you around.”

You don’t need to explain anything. You’re not there to entertain anyone. If they are not up for it, leave them alone.

The above is a good start for you to start building small talk skill.

If you’re are looking for a magic line that will make you look fun and will turn you into a social butterfly, there is no such thing. Small talks is a skill and can quickly be developed. It just needs a bit of practice. If you’re shying away from it, my “from the heart advice” is – grow a pair! It’s only small talk. The worst thing that can happen is that people won’t talk much. Big deal.

Set a goal to initiate 100 small talks.
Keep track of it and see what works and what doesn’t.

After 100 small talks, you will be significantly better at it as well as more confident.

Source: tomassvitorka.com