While some people cringe at the thought of small talk, it’s an inevitable part of life — and beyond the handshakes, fake smiles, nodding heads, and awkward pauses, there are tricks to navigate the stormy waters of small talk.
Here are a few tips to keep in mind:
Watch your body language
One of the most important aspects of any conversation is body language. Did you make eye contact? Did you give a firm handshake? Was the hug appropriate for the level of the relationship? Your body language is said to comprise more than half of all communication.
Listen and engage
A vital tool in mastering small talk is your ability to thoroughly listen and use that information to maintain a conversation. For example, if the person speaking says he or she went to Princeton, but you start talking about Harvard’s law program, you immediately put a pause on effective communication. Listen carefully when a person tells you their name, occupation, or hobby so you can engage with them based on those details.
Ask questions
In order to engage effectively in small talk, you must inquire about and take interest in the other person. One way to master small talk is to be able to bounce off questions to continue a conversation and follow up on what the other person said. This also shows that you are listening and are interested.
Remember key points
Small talk only lasts a few minutes, and these minutes can be rather painful or easy based on your ability to remember what has been said. Pay attention to all of the key things they tell you about themselves. Guaranteed, if you can remember details and bring them back up in the conversation, the other person will be impressed and feel acknowledged by you.
Leave a good impression
Finally, before the conversation ends, you want to be sure to leave a good impression. This could involve complimenting them, recalling important details the speaker mentioned, or finding a way to connect after the conversation is over. This could mean exchanging business cards, swapping numbers, or giving your company’s website. Establishing a genuine connection will leave a lasting impression.
xx, The FabFitFun Team
