The most meaningful conversations usually start with small talk, that’s why the experts at Meetheage have decided to research the topic and find the best ways to approach a stranger. Most of the time casual conversation will happen naturally under various circumstances. Still, you can use a number of specific things to start a conversation. Some people think chitchat is unnecessary, while others believe it’s an important part of our daily interactions. In this article, Meetheage reviews how to become good at small talk and why you should practice it more often.
What is Small Talk?
Small talk may seem like a random conversation, but actually, it’s not. People use a variety of small talk topics as conversation starters – not only to pass the time or to eliminate awkward silence but also to get to know the other person better.
Whether it’s someone you like or a person you meet for the first time ordering a coffee, social chatter can greatly boost your mood and reduce stress levels. Let’s dive deeper into why this type of interaction is so important, according to Meetheage, and what small talk questions you can ask when you want to engage in this activity.
Why Is Small Talk Important?
As stated in this survey, a whopping 91% of people think chitchat can lead to a more meaningful conversation. Still, the art of small talk seems almost lost as most younger people would rather use their smartphones instead of speaking to a stranger. Nevertheless, many people would still think about how to make conversation even if they feel slightly awkward to be the first one to approach a person. Meetheage also thinks that informal conversation can enhance happiness while lifting mood and overall energy levels.
5 Ways to Make Small Talk According to Meetheage
Our investigation on how to make small talk shows you need to use a balanced mixture of the best small talk questions and non-personal topics for discussion. Let’s review five easy ways to make informal conversations brought to you by Meetheage.
1. Small Talk and Books
Our experts have researched how to carry a conversation and discovered that people who read more books have a better vocabulary and are more eloquent when it comes to small talk examples. As a rule, books are filled with exciting subjects and plots that can easily become an ice-breaker. In some cases, you can even learn from the characters how to strike up a conversation. If you’re looking for interesting books to add to your reading list, this article from Meetheage may come in handy.
2. Small Talk Topics by Meetheage
If you’re looking into conversations to talk about, you’ll find a wide range of topics that are acceptable. Our research suggests that small talk conversation starters vary depending on the situation and the people you approach. Things like gender and age can also become crucial factors when striking up a conversation with a stranger. Here are some of the topics you can start with:
- Travel. Many people like it and are willing to share their experiences.
- Leisure and entertainment. We all have hobbies such as reading books or watching movies. It’s a wide topic that will help you speak and improve your conversational skills.
- Work and occupation. Talking about our work experiences helps build trust and connect to another person on a deeper level.
- Cooking. This is a universal topic that is suitable for people of all genders and ages. We all cook on a daily basis, that’s why we can always use this topic to create some engaging small talk questions.
- Pets. While this topic may not suit everyone, many people have pets or enjoy the company of animals. Thus, they will happily chat about cats, dogs, and other pets.
3. Small Talk Questions
If you’re wondering how to get better at small talk, you should start by practicing it everywhere you go. The more you do it, the easier it becomes. What is small talk example? Let’s look at some questions that may help you spark up a conversation with a stranger or someone you already know:
- What’s the most unusual thing you’ve ever said to a stranger?
- What’s the best thing that happened to you this week?
- What’s your favorite cafe or restaurant?
- What made you choose this career?
- Do you play any instruments?
- What music do you like to listen to?
- Do you have any pets?
- How do you spend your free time?
- What’s your favorite fictional character?
- What’s the last movie you’ve watched?
Of course, these questions may vary depending on the situation and the place where you want to chat with someone. If you don’t know the person at all, you can ask your question based on something peculiar you find in their style or looks.
4. Show Genuine Interest
If you want to learn how to small talk like a pro, we suggest you treat every person without prejudice. Small talk isn’t some meaningless chitchat – you can actually learn something exciting about a person and the world in general through their experience. Enter each new conversation with excitement to find out more about people, their hobbies, and their lives. When you’re genuinely interested in what they have to say, informal conversation becomes effortless and hassle-free.
5. Practice Active Listening
Before learning how to talk, you need to learn how to listen first. Meetheage believes that active listening allows us to engage with conversation partners on a deeper level. This means full-on focusing on what the other person is saying. It’s good if you can keep eye contact while the other person is speaking. Try not to tune out of what they’re saying and ask relevant questions when they make a pause. Treat the other person with respect and your chitchat can grow into a deeper, more meaningful conversation in no time.
Conclusion
So, what is considered small talk? It’s a set of situational questions and answers we use to get to know the other person better. As a rule, these are short interactions that may not last longer than a few minutes. Still, informal conversations have the potential to grow into something more if you practice active listening and keep an open mind when communicating with another person. The experts at Meetheage have also discovered that while many people are shy to start a conversation, they still think that small talk is important and would do it occasionally.
This article is sponsored by Meetheage. While we strive to provide helpful advice and insights, please remember that this content is not a substitute for professional guidance and can’t be used to treaty any conditions.