Small talk might not seem like a big deal, but casual chit-chat can go a long way at building rapport. It can help you break the ice and connect with people on a more personal level. In a way, small talk is like a vocal handshake — it opens the door to more meaningful conversations.
Small talk can be stress-inducing, though. Research shows that 2 in 3 Americans find small talk awkward, preferring to use their phones to avoid idle chatter. If you avoid small talk, valuable interactions are much harder to come by.
Writer Sara McCord believes that small talk doesn’t have to be so uncomfortable. Whether you’re waiting for a meeting to begin or interacting with a prospect, she has a few ideas on how you can make quick exchanges sincere and meaningful. We share her thoughts in this issue of PromoPro Daily.
Reframe your thoughts about small talk. Some people view small talk as fake or a waste of time. Change how you think about it. View it as an opportunity to genuinely connect with other people, McCord says. If you consider yourself thoughtful, kind or engaging, bring those positive qualities to your small talk. It’s kind and considerate to walk up to the person standing alone and strike up a friendly chat, she says.
Create a solid opener. It could be as simple as, “Hey! How are you?” or “Hi, I’m Chris.” If you’ve already met the person, just remember to add a line like, “We met at The Expo earlier this year” so you can avoid the other person wondering how they know you.
Understand the value. You might not want to work on refining your small-talk skills, but it’s worth it. From industry events to happy hours to community gatherings, you can mingle with people and expand your network — or you can stay tethered to the person you know best. McCord says the more you talk to new people, the more fearless and capable you’ll feel, which will serve you well in all areas of your life.
If usually try to avoid small talk, try reframing it. You don’t necessarily need to talk about the weather or weekend plans. Develop your go-to opening line and keep practicing. Every conversation gives you a chance to work on your rapport-building skills.
Compiled by Audrey Sellers
Source: Sara McCord runs a values-driven marketing firm that helps thought leaders go viral for their expertise. She contributes to outlets including The Muse, Mashable, Fast Company and more.
