Small talk has gotten a bad rap. Most people dread cocktail parties, networking events, and other similar functions because of it. But really, there’s nothing wrong with small talk—most of us just do it wrong. In its purest form, small talk can be a great thing: it’s you and another person getting to know each other and establishing a foundation on which to build a friendship or working relationship. Not so good at small talk? Here are some tips on how to master the art of small talk.
Do Some Research
You may sometimes find yourself in a completely unexpected social situation, but most of us attend events with a rough idea of what we’re getting into. So before you attend a networking event or colleagues wedding, do a little homework to see who will be there. For instance, if your new boss will be there with her husband, see if you can figure out what he does and where he went to school so you know where to steer the conversation. Similarly, if you’ve RSVP’ed for a networking event on Facebook or another web application, check out the RSVP list to get an idea of the types of people you might run into.
No Pressure
Most people dislike small talk because it’s boring or trite. This is sometimes the case, but that doesn’t mean the conversation isn’t worth having. Fast Company suggests the key to successful small talk is not having expectations that are too high. Sometimes your only goal should be to have some friendly conversation to pass the time before the keynote speaker starts, or the bride cuts the cake.
Know What Not to Say
First impressions are crucial, and no one wants to be known as the person who asked a lame question of someone at a conference just because they weren’t thinking. When making small talk, try to avoid getting too personal. For instance, never ask a woman if she is pregnant; if she wants you to know, she will tell you or find a way to bring it up.
Also, never assume you know the relationship between two people. If you start chatting with two people at an event don’t say, “Are you colleagues?” or even worse “Are you guys married?” Again, let them tell you how they know each other. Or, you might be able to ask how they know each other if the situation is right.
Lastly, don’t phrase anything in a way that might be offensive. If someone tells you they’ve worked in a pencil factory for 40 years, don’t say, “Do you actually like working there?” Even if you didn’t mean it to come out as hurtful, chances are the person on the other end can only hear the negative in the statement.
Escape with Grace
There always comes a point where small talk runs its course, but slipping away can be awkward. A tip in Real Simple suggests using the phrase “I need” when you want to leave a conversation. Phrases like “I need to find my husband” or “I need to say hi to my boss” will help yo
The post The Art of Small Talk – How to Make a Good Impression appeared first on Official Fiverr Blog.