Conversation Success

Small Tips Big Impact

Master the art of conversation.

Develop your conversation skills and become more confident with others by learning the secrets of the art of conversation. Rehearse active listening, be mindful of body language, ask interesting questions, be aware of the topics, and limit distractions to increase your conversation success.

Strategic communications is the skillful use of communication to achieve a specific goal. Small talk is a type of conversation that is typically light and informal, and it can be a valuable tool for strategic communicators.

Small talk can be used to:

• 1. Build rapport with others

  2. Gather information

  3. Make a positive impression

  4. Network with potential contacts

  5. Build trust

  6. Break the ice in a difficult conversation

  7. Create a positive atmosphere

When using small talk for strategic communications, it is important to be mindful of your audience and your goals. You should choose topics that are likely to be of interest to the other person, and you should avoid being too personal or controversial. It is also important to be a good listener and to ask open-ended questions.

7 tips for using small talk for strategic communications

1. 1. Be yourself. People can spot a fake a mile away, so just be yourself and relax.

   2. Ask open-ended questions. Open-ended questions encourage people to talk more, which can give you more information to work with.

   3. Be a good listener. Pay attention to what the other person is saying and ask follow-up questions.

   4. Find common ground. Look for things you have in common with the other person, and use those as conversation starters.

   5. Be positive and upbeat. People are more likely to respond to someone who is positive and upbeat.

   6. Don't be afraid to use humor. A little bit of humor can go a long way in making people feel comfortable.

   7. Know when to end the conversation. It's important to know when to wrap things up so that you don't overstay your welcome.

By following these tips, you can use small talk to achieve your strategic communications goals.

How good are you at small talk?

We are at a party. You've just come in. What do you say?

For small talk in the United States, it is usual and appropriate to talk about children and family, current affairs, entertainment, hobbies, sports, and the weather. However, most people stay away from the topics of politics and money during social occasions. Politics is usually a controversial topic, and money is often considered to be a personal topic. Also, personal details such as health problems and marital issues are usually not appropriate to talk about with acquaintances. Close friends can talk about these subjects, however.

Useful expressions

Conversation openers

How's it going?

Can you believe this weather? It's (awful)!

That's a great (jacket).

Do you know many people here?

Conversation closers

See you later.

Sorry, I've got to run. Talk to you soon.

It was great to meet you.

I should get going. I'll call you later.

What is small talk?

Small talk is pleasant conversation about common interests.

What makes small talk challenging for certain English learners? 

Firstly, it's important to note that grappling with small talk isn't exclusive to English learners; even native speakers can find it challenging. However, for some learners, the difficulty arises from the broad nature of small talk, which involves discussing a wide range of topics. This requires a diverse vocabulary that can encompass various subjects. While many English learners excel in specific areas of vocabulary, they may struggle when faced with unfamiliar topics due to a lack of suitable vocabulary.

This vocabulary gap can result in students experiencing a 'blocking' phenomenon. In such instances, individuals may slow down or completely halt their speech due to a lack of confidence stemming from inadequate vocabulary.

How to Enhance Your Small Talk Skills

Now that we've identified the challenge, let's explore ways to address it. Here are some practical tips to boost your small talk proficiency. While effective small talk requires practice, keeping these suggestions in mind can significantly enhance your overall conversational abilities.

Conduct Research

Invest time in online exploration, read relevant magazines, or watch TV specials about the individuals you'll be interacting with. For instance, if you're in a class with students from diverse backgrounds, take a moment to research their cultures after the initial days of class. Your efforts will be appreciated, and your conversations will become more engaging.

Steer Clear of Sensitive Topics

Avoid delving into religious or strongly political discussions at the outset. While you may hold firm beliefs, introducing such topics in initial conversations can abruptly end the dialogue. Keep the tone light and avoid trying to convince others of the 'correct' stance on matters like higher beings, political systems, or belief systems.

Utilize the Internet for Specialized Vocabulary

Extend your research to include specific vocabulary related to your upcoming interactions. Whether it's for a business meeting or a gathering of like-minded individuals (such as a basketball team or an art-focused tour group), leverage online resources to grasp key jargon associated with their field or activity.

Reflect on Your Own Culture

Compile a list of common interests commonly discussed during small talk in your own culture. While you can do this in your native language, ensure you possess the English vocabulary needed to engage in small talk about these subjects.

Identify Shared Interests

Once you find a topic of mutual interest, stick to it! This could involve discussing travel, a shared school or friend, or even the differences between your culture and the new one. Just be cautious when making comparisons, aiming for observations rather than judgments (e.g., "The food in our country differs from the cuisine here in England").

Practice Active Listening

Don't let anxiety about communication overshadow your ability to listen. Attentive listening enhances your understanding and encourages those speaking to you. While nervousness may be present, allowing others to express their opinions contributes to a more meaningful discussion and provides you with time to formulate thoughtful responses.

Common small talk topics

If you find it challenging to discuss any of these subjects, consider expanding your vocabulary through available resources such as the internet, magazines, or guidance from teachers at school.

Sports

Current matches or games

Favorite teams, players, etc.

Hobbies

Consider discussing entries related to animal fancy, cat fancy, dog fancy, or improving entries at fancy. Share opinions.

Weather

Though it may seem mundane, it's a conversation starter.

Family

Ask general questions without delving into private matters.

Media

Films, books, magazines, etc.

Holidays

Discuss where and when, but avoid specifics about costs.

Hometown

Explore where someone comes from and how it differs or is similar to the current town.

Job

Pose general questions without getting too specific.

Latest Fashion and Trends

Stay updated on the current styles and trends.

Celebrities

Share any interesting gossip you may have.

Remember, expanding your vocabulary in these areas will help you engage more confidently in small talk. Utilize the available resources, such as the internet, magazines, and guidance from teachers, to enhance your conversational skills.

Topics that are typically not suitable for small talk 

Keep in mind that these topics might be acceptable if you're talking with a close friend. However, it's essential to remember that 'small talk' generally refers to conversations with people you don't know very well.

Salary

Asking about someone's income is considered intrusive. It's best to avoid this topic.

Politics

Wait until you know the person better before delving into political discussions.

Intimate Relationships

Keep discussions about personal relationships limited to your partner or maybe your best friend.

Religion

Practice tolerance and avoid discussing religious beliefs, especially in initial conversations.

Death

While it's a part of life, discussing death is not suitable for the first meeting with someone new.

Financial Matters

Similar to salary, most people prefer to keep their financial information private.

Sales

Avoid trying to sell something to someone you have just met. Save sales discussions for more appropriate contexts.

Remember, these topics may be fine with close friends, but in the context of 'small talk,' it's advisable to steer clear of them when conversing with individuals you don't know well.

See a list of appropriate and inappropriate subjects for small talk               Watch a video