Some people seem to have a natural ability to strike up a conversation with just about anyone. But others try and fail to be engaging conversationalists or avoid small talk altogether, either because they see it as a waste of time or because of their introversion and social anxiety.
The Value of Small Talk
Small talk, whether enjoyable or not, can have genuine value in the workplace. Small talk is key to getting to know colleagues, customers, and collaborators and building a sense of community and common bonds within an organization.
Fortunately, it is possible to train yourself to become better at basic small talk. In an article for Inc.com, the Young Entrepreneur’s Council relays a number of tips from various entrepreneurs on how to improve your small talk skills.
Building Small Talk Competencies
For example, one tip is simply to be informed of current events. Whether it’s sports, weather, news, politics, the economy, or pop culture, finding common ground with someone is much easier when both participants are aware of and can discuss the same topic.
Another great strategy is to simply ask a lot of questions. Asking someone how their family is doing, if they’ve taken any fun vacations recently, what their weekend plans are, etc., can be a useful tool to get them to talk. Moreover, people often love talking about themselves, meaning the burden of doing the talking can easily be shifted by simply being inquisitive. Of course, just take care to avoid seeming nosey or asking questions that may be too personal.
The Inc.com article describes several other simple strategies for becoming better at small talk, and all of them are easy enough for those who struggle with engaging in this type of chitchat. Even though some may dislike small talk, knowing how to engage and build rapport with contacts can be a great benefit in the workplace.
Lin Grensing-Pophal is a Contributing Editor at HR Daily Advisor.