Struggle To Make Small Talk?

Small talk can be a big problem. I want to be friendly and polite, but I just can’t think of a thing to say.

Here are some strategies I try when my mind is a blank:

1. Comment on a topic

common to both of you

at the moment:

the food

the room

the occasion

the weather(yes, talking about the weather is a

cliche, but it works)

2. Comment on a topic of general interest.A friend scans Google News right before he goes

anywherewhere he needs to make small talk.

3. Ask a question that people cananswer as they please.

It’s useful because itallows people to choose

their focus (work, volunteer, family,

hobby).

4. Ask open questionsthat can’t be answered

with a single word.

5. If you do ask a question that can be answered in a single word, instead of just

supplying your own information in response,

ask a follow-up question.

6. Ask getting-to-know-you questions.These questions often reveal a hidden passion,

which can make for great conversation.

7. React to what a person says in the spirit inwhich that comment was offered. If he makes a joke, even if it’s not very funny, try to laugh. If she offers some surprising information, react

with surprise.

8. Be slightly inappropriate.(I can’t use this strategy, myself,

becauseI don’t have the necessary

gumption).

9. Follow someone’s conversational lead.If someone obviously drops in a reference to

a subject, pick up on that thread. 

10. Along the same lines, counter-intuitively,

don’t try to talk aboutyour favorite topic,

because you’ll be temptedto talk too much. 

Blah!Blah!Blah!

Blah!Blah!

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