NB. DALL-E helped me with this image!
How’s your Small Talk?
From BBQs to Boardroom – why Small Talk matters, and how to get results.
Small talk gets a bad rap sometimes, but it’s actually really important for business. Whether it’s chatting with colleagues, meeting someone new, or just breaking the ice in awkward situations, small talk can really help things run more smoothly.
Why is Small Talk useful?
Imagine trying to get along with others, like your co-workers, friends, or new acquaintances, without any small talk. It would be pretty awkward, right? Small talk helps build connections. It allows people feel comfortable with you, and even helps you to be more memorable.
According to Psychology Today Australia, small talk isn’t a waste of time at all. In fact, their study found that just four minutes of chatting with someone can help them cooperate better with you. That’s because when you engage in small talk, you’re learning a lot about the other person—even if you don’t realise it.
When you’re talking with them, you’re picking up on little clues. You might not be thinking about it, but your brain is busy figuring out whether this person is someone you can trust, whether you share common interests, or how confident they are.
Getting the conversation started
Not sure how to kick things off? It doesn’t have to be complicated. Start by being curious about the other person. Here are a few simple topics that almost always work no matter the person:
- Ask about their family: Most people are happy to chat about their kids, pets, or grandkids.
- Talk about current events: Mention upcoming holidays, the change of seasons, or local happenings. Just keep it positive—no one wants to be brought down.
- Sports and hobbies: If you know the other person likes a certain sport or activity, ask them about it. It’s a great way to show you’re paying attention.
- Recommendations: Share or ask for recommendations on TV shows, movies, or local restaurants. Everyone loves discovering something new.
- Totally random questions: Sometimes, quirky questions like “What’s the best compliment you’ve ever received?” or “If you could have any pet, what would it be?” can get people talking.
Tips for being a great conversationalist
If you’re still unsure, you can always fall back on the ‘FORD’ method. It stands for Family, Occupation, Recreation, and Dreams. These are all safe topics that usually lead to interesting conversations. Here are some quick tips to keep in mind:
- Listen more than you talk: Aim for about 80% listening and 20% talking. People love to be heard!
- Give authentic compliments: A simple, genuine compliment can open up new topics and make people feel good.
- Know when to move on: If a topic isn’t clicking, don’t force it. Politely shift to something else.
- Stay memorable: Ask fun or unexpected random questions that make people smile.
Small Talk in action
Quick story for you: I often find myself at an industry event, and like everyone else I feel a little awkward, right? Instead of staying quiet, I walk to the far side of the room from the door, walk up to the nearest person, introduce myself and ask them: “What’s your favourite travel destination?”
This simple question has lead me to some lively discussions about travel tips and funny experiences. And after just five minutes, I’d made a new connection without mentioning work, just through small talk. As Paul Kelly says – from small things big things grow.
So, don’t stress about being perfect. Just be yourself, and remember that a bit of small talk can go a long way.
To chat about your team’s ability for small talk, please email me on damien @ edmondsfacilitation.com.au or call me on 0447 147 788 today.
