Small Talk: How to Start a Conversation with Almost Anyone
Small talk, or a conversation about nothing, can be a very useful skill in initiating conversations in both personal and professional life. How should we start conversations with people we don't know? What topics are good in such situations? This short article aims to dispel any doubts you may have.
During such conversations, we do not ask intrusive questions, nor do we talk about difficult or troublesome topics. We should generally avoid politics, religious views, and personal life topics. It's worth talking about cultural events, ways of spending free time, or discussing the decor of the place we are in. The best topics to initiate a conversation are neutral and evoke positive associations.
Remember that when initiating a conversation with someone who has not been introduced to us, it is important to introduce ourselves and maintain an appropriate distance (about 1 meter), and also allow the other person to speak, not just listen to us.
During such conversations, we should use correct and literary language, avoiding colloquialisms like "ok", "guy", "chick", "joint", "cop", etc. We talk about the weather only when it deserves attention, which is when the conditions outside are extreme (intense heat, severe cold).
An important element of small talk is active listening, which shows respect for the other person and facilitates dialogue.
During a well-conducted small talk, we ask questions related to what we heard, confirm with our expressions (a smile or sadness, depending on the situation) that we understand, add our thoughts, and express our own views.
Small talk is often useful at banquets, conferences, or social meetings where we arrive alone and do not know anyone other than the host.
For example, at a social meeting where we know no one, we can start a conversation with: "I see that a lot of people have come, I'm here for the first time. Most guests are probably friends of the host, right?"
During a break at a large conference, a good start could be: "Excuse me, do you know where Professor X's lecture will take place? I am looking forward to it because the topic is very interesting, isn’t it?"
At a work banquet: "I admire the interior and decor of this restaurant - it’s designed with extraordinary taste. Do you like such interiors?"
The ability to conduct casual conversations is worth getting acquainted with.