How do you make small talk at work and not seem stupid? Where did you get them?” and “I like your shirt’s design. If the conversation is stalling -- or it’s simply finished and you need a non-awkward way to walk away -- use this line to gracefully wrap things up. We’re all far more focused on and critical of … Don't be afraid of rejection. Them: "Yeah, but I'm trying to avoid it.I haven't been able to work out in a week." Third, put away your phone. Others would rather talk about anything but. Shutterstock. Free and premium plans, Customer service software. You can also “train” by talking to strangers when you’re out and about -- just make sure you don’t force a conversation with anyone who’s clearly not interested. Most people enjoy talking about themselves -- not only are we are our favorite subjects, but it’s also easier to discuss yourself than something you know little about. But still, talking with someone you don't really know yet can be daunting. Starting up conversations with new people you meet … How to Turn Small Talk Into Meaningful Conversation . In his book "Talking With Confidence for the Painfully Shy," author Don Gabor asserts that eye contact with another person for five to 10 seconds indicates curiosity and is considered friendly. Small talk is just small talk. Having an objective can make small talk feel more meaningful. How to Make Small Talk With Strangers [VIDEO] Your video tutorial on making small talk with anybody, anywhere. The project. This isn't a guide to steering clear of conversations at networking events, office parties, conferences, or social gatherings. Learn how to make small talk with strangers. Would you be on edge if you were making small talk with someone you knew really well? Another tactic to open up small talk is to compliment the accessories someone is wearing: jewelry, glasses, purse, shoes, watch, tie, cufflinks, pins, etc. Third, avoid ultra-controversial or sensitive topics. Aja Frost. Accept nervousness rather than trying to push it away AoM has previously written about why you should talk with strangers, as well as offered a detailed guide on how to make small talk with them. Perhaps it is an item of jewelry, an unusual shirt, or maybe even a tattoo; something distinctive that tells a story about the person. From weekend trips an hour away, to big summer vacations, or bucket list journeys -- this question can get even the most reserved prospects gushing about cherished memories or exciting upcoming adventures. Whether you’re networking, speaking with a new prospect, or warming up a customer before upselling them or asking for a referral, you must be able to build rapport with casual conversation. This is one of the cult classics – together with How to Win Friends – and has over 1 million copies sold. Often, the people he's speaking with live in towns Dan's never visited, but with a two-minute search, he knows about their hottest new restaurant, what the weather is like currently, and which landmarks the locals love. Items like this give you a starting point for conversation. 2. In this presentation, I’ll teach you easy ways to strike up great conversation with just about anybody, whether you’re super shy or bursting with confidence. You don’t want the conversation to devolve into a boring comparison of what you do -- which it quickly will unless you steer toward more interesting territory. Hence, you should improvise depending on the situation or prepare “mock” small talk with someone you know. Travelling helped immensely. Avoid making a comment about someone's clothing or general appearance as it can come off as if you're acting weird or hitting on him or her. Small talk is a skill just like any other. When someone says, "Wow, it's so cold this week," reply, "Sure is. Don’t dwell on awkward moments or long silences. Learning to successfully make small talk with strangers is a skill that can pay off in many ways. When attending a party with mixed friend groups, you’re inevitably going to meet new people. Also, as Will Rogers once said, "A stranger is just a friend I haven't met yet." HubSpot Director of Sales Dan Tyre has a trick every rep can use. Did you recently visit somewhere cool nearby? ", Or, ask them about something regarding the weather, like: "I wasn't able to find out if it was going to rain. Think about it: Would you have a harder time speaking about 14th century glass-blowing or your favorite book? Marketing automation software. Only the most adept social butterfly doesn’t feel that twinge of anxiety before sitting down at a dinner party next to a stranger—for some, fear of filling the air with chatter can be almost paralyzing, particularly when you’re placed next … As an added benefit, this mental shift will make you seem warmer and friendlier. Or, "We need to find a fun but reasonably priced place to take my mom out for her birthday. Introverts tend to dread small talk - but it doesn't have to be awkward or painful. Take advantage of that. People make small talk just about anywhere, but there are certain places where it is very common. Interacting with strangers is a great way to lift your mood. What are their thoughts? Small talk is light, informal conversation. Small talk is your winning ticket as you're meeting new people; if you don't know how to do it already, then practice! For more information, check out our privacy policy. Don’t strive to be serious. You can do it with salespeople, bartenders, cab drivers, people in line, etc. How to Make Small Talk With Strangers, The Art of Manliness. Conversations – even small talk with strangers – can be an opportunity to connect with our fellow humans, learn new things, or make a new buddy. Talking about your day jobs can be tricky. It’s also handy to have a pre-planned exit. They might recommend a restaurant and then add, "We go there all the time!" Asking where to eat will generally prompt someone to give you the scoop on their favorite places, which usually comes attached with more personal information, such as the parties they planned there, the fact that they go there every year for a special event, or why they like the atmosphere. But the people you see out and about somewhere in the course of your daily routine are primate candidates for friendship. Talking to strangers is nerve-wracking for most people, even if you’re fairly charismatic and confident. People enjoy talking about their gadgets, so it won't be difficult to get them to open up. Get creative and maybe a little weird. Were you glad you tried it?”, “If you were responsible for catering [event], what would you order?”, “If you were hosting this event, [who would you invite to speak, which theme would you have chosen, what would you have done differently]?”. Say something about how crowded or empty the bus is, mention the weather, or say something else about the commute. In this article, I'll teach you easy ways to strike up great conversation with just about anybody, whether you're super shy or bursting with confidence. He uses this knowledge to wow his prospects with questions like, "Have you made it to [Insert hot new local play here] yet?" It doesn’t matter how bad you are at small talk: With practice and the right strategies, you can improve. Enough small talk; let's go to those 10 tips! Open-ended questions generate an interesting, dynamic conversation and encourage the person you’re speaking with to open up. If you are a newcomer, who tries to adapt to a new team, try to listen more, than talk during the first month. How Can I Become Better Friends With Someone? It’s commonly used when you’re talking to someone you don’t know very well and at networking and social events. I'm one of those people who can talk to anyone, and apparently I don't look dangerous, because everyone talks to me. You may unsubscribe from these communications at any time. They’ll be enthusiastic to talk about what they love, and you’ll get the chance to connect with them on a deeper level. Stay up to date with the latest marketing, sales, and service tips and news. HubSpot uses the information you provide to us to contact you about our relevant content, products, and services. Why or why not?”, “What’s been the highlight of your [day, week, month] so far?”, “Would you recommend that [food or drink they’re holding]?”, “What’s the most memorable part of this [name of event] so far?”, “If this was Groundhog Day and you had to repeat this day over and over, would you be relatively happy or unhappy about this particular day?”, “What’s the last movie you saw in theatres? And that means that, whether or not you like it, you're going to have to make small talk. If you have social anxiety, you might find that treatment with cognitive-behavioral therapy or medication helps you feel more at ease in social settings. “ those shoes are pretty unique people have something to say any other instead, up. But the people you see out and enjoy it? ” and “ I like your shirt ’ tempting! Awkward small talk topic because the vast majority of people have something to say they know whole. 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