Key To A Successful Small Talk

Mastering the art of small talk can help break the ice before a meeting. It helps relax the atmosphere and makes everyone feel at ease, especially when you are meeting someone for the very first time.

It could be an event, business meeting\ lunch, or an interview, small talk is always a good idea to start the conversation on a good note.

Hence this week we are sharing some ideas on how you can practice, initiate and end a small talk.

1. Positive behavior

Don't jump on to the topic of discussion or convey your opinion right away. Hold back a little and listen to others and let them speak their mind. Rather you can pose open questions so that it becomes a dialogue rather than a monologue.

2. Advantages of small talk

During small talk, don’t speak about business. Get to know your discussion partner better and learn more about them. This way, you can find out whether you have things in common and the same goals and visions. Lay the foundation for future discussions.

The right small talk themes

• The weather (the classic topic!)

• The event or the occasion that you are currently attending

• The region or city where the business meeting is taking place

• Current news/facts

• Sport

• Holiday destinations (particularly popular during vacation seasons)

• Hobbies

3. How to start small talk

Embarrassing silences are uncomfortable. Be brave and start the discussion with a relaxed and friendly opening. If you are at a big event, ask your conversation partner about their job, where they work, and where they come from. You can also ask how they know the host and talk about the event itself.

4. Body language

Don’t just listen to your discussion partner attentively, think about your entire body language. Smile, and maintain eye contact and an open posture.

5. Practice

You can learn the art of small talk. Use every opportunity to practice in everyday situations. Chat about simple themes while standing at a billing counter que, in a café, at a park, or at a movie hall. You will, for certain, learn something new. In addition, you can watch others engaging in small talk and learn from them.

6. Ending Smalltalk

Of course, after a while, you need to move on to business. Lead the discussion gently and not too abruptly in a business direction. If you are at an event, you can end the small talk by introducing another discussion partner. You can also break off the conversation with a reason to move on: “Excuse me, I’m going to get something to eat/drink now.” In general, find a positive way to end a conversation, exchange business cards and conclude with something like “It was nice to meet you.”

I hope you will be able to use the above points and have much better conversations and meetings from now on.

If it does help, do let me know in the comments, I'd love to hear from you!

You can also share your experiences and how you initiate small talks that could help others.

Here's wishing you Good Luck!

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About Author

I am Priyanka Ramteke, Founding Director at SocialVive, a Digital Marketing Agency based in Delhi, India.

With more than a decade spent working with Government Ministries, Large Conglomerates as well as Small Businesses, I understand the needs of my clientele and help them devise customised Digital Marketing solutions that help their business expand exponentially in this digitally competitive world.

I also love to mentor young professionals and students in building a strong career and attaining new heights of success in their corporate journey.

🚩My expertise lies in LinkedIn Marketing, Digital Marketing, Talent Acquisition, Performance Management, Employee Relations and Engagement, Change Management, Conflict Management, Corporate Presentations, Career Development, and mentoring young minds for success!

Worked with Times Group, Dainik Bhaskar, Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, Ministry of External Affairs, and Ministry of Food Processing to name a few.

👉 Follow Priyanka Ramteke for regular Digital Marketing and Career Development related updates.