5 Easy Ways To Successfully Engage In Small Talk

Striking conversation can be difficult, especially being in a room full of people you don’t know. After exchanging names, often an awkward silence follows unless someone says something. Anything.

We all know talking about the weather tends to come to mind. However, it slowly leads to a quick end. There are only so many ways you can talk about the weather. However, such conversations might leave you feeling unfulfilled and still clueless about the other person.

It’s okay to feel envious of the girl who walks in and works the room with her magic—striking conversation with everyone before she leaves, giving personal goodbyes. If you want to know how to hack small talk, scroll for five easy tips.

Ask Open-Ended Questions

Chanel the curious George in you and ask questions. Preferably, open-ended ones will do as they will strike more deep and meaningful questions. Consequently, they will open up to you since people love talking about themselves and, even better, their experiences.

To guide you, ensure that you stay away from asking one-word responses. For instance, asking someone what they do for a living is a question you should not ask. Instead, ask what their profession is and how did they enter that line of work.

Include Juicy Tidbits

A conversation is a two-way street. So, as much as it is excellent to ask open-ended questions, don’t push too far as it might feel like an interrogation for the other person. Also, place some focus on yourself by sharing information, giving cliffhangers to keep the conversation going.

Therefore, refrain from giving one-word answers as the conversation might end abruptly. Share information with a great hook. If you’re asked how you’re doing, instead of saying fine, give more details about your plans, such as an upcoming vacation.

Become A Great Listener

It’s time to practice your active listening skills. When mingling with people, you need to keep in mind that you will also bump into talkative people that love to share. Therefore, before you feel tempted to jump in and share your experience, remember to listen first.

Opposites attract; therefore, introverts and extroverts will not have a problem talking over each other. Give verbal cues to keep the conversation going by saying things such as tell me more. Please encourage them to elaborate more on their statements for an enjoyable convo.

Recognize Cues

It’s easy to pick up on non-verbal cues. Therefore, be conscious of the actions you do as they will communicate something to the other person. Besides, a quick conversation killer is when you feel the other person is disinterested in what you’re saying.

If you have a strong, reserved nature, it can easily be perceived as snobbish or too serious. Try smiling and looking genuinely interested in what they are saying. Also, uncross your arms, and nod to communicate interest.

Keep Your Phone At Bay

A phone in a social setting is a big no-no. When someone can’t stop glaring at their phone during a conversation, things can turn awkward, fast. Also, it can make you feel like you’ve had an unfulfilling chat; therefore, please keep your phone in a bag.

If you’re expecting an important phone call, kindly notify the other person, so they are aware and do not take offense. At least they will know you’re not mindlessly scrolling, so keep your mobile device away and pay attention to have meaningful small talk with other people.