How To Make Small Talk Without Being Awkward

If you ever caught someone at a wedding discussing the weather, you know how difficult it is to make small talk. No matter how much you avoid it, today or tomorrow, you’re going to end up in a situation where you’ll need to initiate small talk with a complete stranger. We know it's awkward, stilted, and mildly painful. But there is an art to it, and it can be mastered.

Bring Up A Common Topic

To start a conversation, focus on positive aspects like the food, the setting, and the reason for the gathering. You can ask questions like "How do you know our host?" or "What brings you here?" It's best to keep the tone positive! Unless you can add some humor, it's not ideal to complain when meeting someone for the first time.

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Start Small 

When it comes to networking, we often put too much pressure on ourselves. Small talk doesn't have to lead to a deep discussion about someone's entire career right away. So, don't stress yourself out by trying to be overly creative or deep. Go ahead and comment on the weather. Let the ball roll! 

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Ask Getting-To-Know-You Questions

Asking getting-to-know-you questions like "What newspapers and magazines do you like?" or "Which websites do you visit often?" can uncover hidden passions and lead to great conversations.

Don't Hold Back Details

When starting a conversation, don't hold back on details. Give the other person something to engage with. For instance, if asked about your job, provide enough information to keep the conversation going smoothly without leaving the other person searching for more questions.

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Focus On Their Interest

If your small talk partner gives a slightest hint of their interest during the conversation, grab the opportunity and initiate questions. People like to talk about things they are passionate about.

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