Small talk is an essential workplace skill. From interviews to networking events, your ability to create a connection with someone else on neutral topics propels your career success. Small talk is a bit of a magic trick. Far too many of us neglect the art of small talk—until we flounder. Here are three tips to ensure you’re ready for everything from the holiday party to your next interview:
1. Learn from the masters. Observe folks who are excellent at patter and notice why. From the social butterfly of the office to the morning talk show host, strong examples abound. Is it their energy, enthusiasm, or openness? While you don’t want to mimic them exactly, you can find transferable elements.
2. Consider your topic. There’s a reason the weather is the perennial topic of conversation for chit chat: it affects all of us. Sports teams are the other go-to. Whether you engage a classic topic or provide more novel material, discuss it in a way that presents your personality and perspective. Instead of, “how about those Steelers?” ask how they like to watch the game and relate your favorite pre-game tradition.
3. Engage your non-verbals. Small talk is unpleasant when it feels perfunctory, like everyone is just going through the motions to get it out of the way. But, when you see it as an opportunity for genuine connection, it becomes something truly special. Smile. Make eye contact. Slow down and enjoy the moment. You’ll be surprised how much your career can benefit.
