Making Small Talk - Deepstash

Making Small Talk

Small talk topics are the best source of conversation between people who don't know each other well. Learning to make small talk can help to build your confidence so that you can be less anxious, make connections, and develop your social skills.

A way to alleviate anxiety is to prepare for common topics. Making small talk involves not only knowing what to say and what not to say but persisting on overcoming your urge to avoid it altogether.

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addison_ii

Thinker. Hipster-friendly coffee advocate. Infuriatingly humble organizer.

Learning to make small talk and know a few conversation starters can help build the confidence you need to make deeper connections and develop your social skills.

The idea is part of this collection:

Conversation Starters

Learn more about communication with this collection

How to ask open-ended questions

How to avoid awkward silences

How to show interest in others

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Practice small talk

Talk to people you encounter throughout your day. When you enter a coffee shop, make a simple comment about the weather to make impersonal interactions a bit more friendly.

If you practice this small talk in a variety of situations, it's easier to start a conversation with people you wa...

Notes On Small Talk

Notes On Small Talk

  1. The goal of small talk is to build a bridge between people. Subject is irrelevant, as long as you have one.
  2. Focus on what you'd like to learn about others and things you enjoy talking about.
  3. Ask follow-up questions and listen betwe...

Turn Small Talk Into Intriguing Talk

Turn Small Talk Into Intriguing Talk

  • Twist a “light topic” with a serious tone: use what you already know to ask more personal questions or go deeper into topics.
  • Play it straight: admit that you don’t like to chit-chat, and have a few discussion topics or questions ready to toss out.
  • Issue an i...

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