3 Ways to Master Small Talk
Most people have not adequately tapped into their ability to connect with others. Some will even go a lifetime being intimidated and anxiety stricken by trying to have a good discussion. This does not need to be the case. Since small talk is the cornerstone of conversation, it’s essential to understand how to utilize it for maximum results.
3 ideas to help you master small talk:
- Smile. In Dale Carnegie’s masterful work, How to Win Friends and Influence People, he devotes an entire chapter to smiling. Though I would encourage anyone to read this book, I can quickly summarize the chapter by saying, smiling is essential. :-) By smiling, you will appear more inviting and less intimidating (even on ZOOM calls). Plus, it will also boost your confidence, and the person you’re talking with might mirror you by smiling back. Once this happens, you will continue to build a positive rapport.
- Curiosity killed the cat, but not the conversation. Want to be a master conversationalist? Go into every conversation with a ton of curiosity. Direct all of your thoughts away from yourself and on to the other person. Decide right off the bat that you’re going to learn as much from the other person as you can. Now don’t be pushy with your questions; this isn’t a congressional hearing, but utilize useful interview techniques to get the other person talking.
- Steer the conversation to something interesting. Talking about the weather and the price of gas is not a winning strategy to connect with people. These are topics that last for about a second until someone gets bored. Most people relish the opportunity to be involved in an interesting conversation, so give it to them. Find ways to direct the conversation into interesting territory.
Want to master this skill? Practice, practice, practice, and then practice some more. Since communicating is such an essential aspect of business, this is a crucial skill to adopt. Master small talk, and you’ll put yourself in a position to expand your social capabilities and, ultimately, your career.
*Matt Zaun is an award-winning speaker and storyteller who empowers organizations to attract more clients through the art of strategic storytelling. Matt’s past engagements have catalyzed radical sales increases for over 200 organizations that range from financial institutions to the health and wellness industry.
Matt shares his expertise in persuasion with executives, sales professionals, and entrepreneurs, who he coaches on the art of influence and how to leverage this for profits and impact.
For more info, check out his video | https://youtu.be/pflQtzgP7X0
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4 年Great tips Matt Zaun, thanks!
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4 年I used to think it was pointless, but the point is rapport. Small talk is a great way to keep grease on the grill.
Champion of Nonprofits | Expert Capacity Builder | Passionate Teacher
4 年Great points. Before you smile on Zoom, you have to turn your camera on! At the beginning of the pandemic, everyone had their camera on and seemingly were ready to go. Now I'd say about 90% of folks don't turn the camera on. Hard to make an impression, or see the impact of a smile, if people cannot see you.
??Certified Professional Coach | ????Christian Leadership and Transitional Guidance | ??Founder of Vogue Gift Baskets
4 年Thanks for sharing these ideas, Matt Zaun!
?? The DNA Fat Loss Coach ?? Lose Stubborn Belly Fat WITHOUT Working Harder | Time Efficient, Data-Driven Coaching for Executives | Corporate Wellbeing Programs | Fellow of the Royal Society for Public Health
4 年"Curiousity killed the cat but not the conversation" - So true Matt Zaun!