Making Small Talk

‘I'm not good at small talk. I'll hide in a cupboard to avoid chitty chat.’ – Caitlin Moran

Do you dread meeting people for the first time, wondering what you're going to say? Have you ever lingered in your car, lurked in the loo or simply pretended you haven't seen an acquaintance just to avoid making small talk?

Small talk doesn't come easily to all of us. Often, the fear of coming across as fake, dull or stupid makes it difficult to initiate small talk, let alone maintain a conversation.

Maybe you think small talk is pointless and claim to only be interested in ‘real’ conversation. But then how do you get to the point of having a deeper conversation with someone in the first place?

Conversation is like climbing a ladder, with small talk serving as the first few rungs. Small talk creates connections of all kinds. It's one way that you can open doors to all sorts of people and possibilities. After all, plenty of friendships, relationships and work connections have started with a few remarks about the weather!

The key is to be, or at least appear, friendly and approachable. Your aim is not to impress. It's to show you are a relaxed and sociable person who is open to exchanging a few pleasantries.

You simply never know when someone you meet will take your life in a new direction!