Do’s and Don’ts of Small Talk at a School/Class Reunion

20 Safe Subjects to Talk About

Small talk at a school/class reunion can be a great way to reconnect with former classmates and reminisce about old times. However, it’s important to be mindful of the setting and the people you’re interacting with.

Here are some do’s and don’ts for engaging in small talk at a school or class reunion:

Do’s:

1. Greet with Enthusiasm: Start conversations with warm greetings and genuine smiles to make everyone feel welcome.
2. Ask About Updates: Show interest in your former classmates by asking about their lives, recent events, and well-being.
3. School Memories: Share and reminisce about school memories, teachers, classes, and extracurricular activities you all experienced together.
4. Compliment and Praise: Offer compliments and praise for achievements, appearances, or contributions to the school or community.
5. Catch Up: Inquire about what classmates have been up to since graduation, including careers, family, hobbies, and travels.
6. Discuss Shared Interests: Discuss shared interests, such as hobbies, sports, or non-controversial topics that can serve as conversation starters.
7. Family: Ask about family members, such as spouses, children, and grandchildren, and share updates about your own family.
8. Career Achievements: Celebrate career achievements, promotions, or personal accomplishments that classmates have achieved.
9. Respect Everyone: Be respectful and inclusive of all attendees, regardless of their backgrounds, careers, or life choices.
10. Future Plans: Share aspirations and future plans, discussing what you hope to achieve in the years to come.

Don’ts:

1. Avoid Controversy: Stay away from sensitive or divisive topics like politics, religion, or heated debates.
2. Personal Criticisms: Refrain from offering unsolicited criticism or advice about personal choices or lifestyles.
3. Overwhelming Negativity: Avoid dwelling on negative aspects of the past or airing grievances. Focus on positive interactions.
4. Gossip: Avoid engaging in gossip or spreading rumors about classmates, even if you think it’s harmless.
5. Comparisons: Refrain from making comparisons between classmates, especially when it comes to achievements or appearances.
6. Intrusive Questions: Respect personal boundaries and avoid asking overly personal questions that may make classmates uncomfortable.
7. Exclusivity: Be inclusive and avoid forming cliques or excluding classmates from conversations or activities.
8. Disrespectful Humor: Avoid using humor that could be offensive, hurtful, or disrespectful, especially toward classmates.
9. Ignoring Boundaries: Respect personal boundaries and the privacy of classmates. Don’t pry into private matters.
10. Overindulgence: If alcohol is served, consume it in moderation. Overindulgence can lead to inappropriate behavior or conflicts.

School reunions should be enjoyable and nostalgic experiences, fostering positive connections with former classmates and reminiscing about shared history. Approach small talk with a friendly and open attitude, and cherish the opportunity to catch up with old friends.

Recommended Topics of Small Talk at School Reunions:

Small talk at school reunions is a great way to reconnect with old classmates and share memories. Here are some recommended topics for engaging in small talk at school reunions:

1. School Days: Begin by reminiscing about your school days. Share funny anecdotes, memorable events, and favorite teachers or classes.
2. Updates on Lives: Ask about your classmates’ lives since graduation. Inquire about their careers, family, hobbies, and travels.
3. Career Achievements: Celebrate career achievements and personal accomplishments. Share your own professional journey and aspirations.
4. Family: Inquire about family members, such as spouses, children, and grandchildren. Share updates about your own family life.
5. Hobbies and Interests: Discuss hobbies and interests you’ve pursued since school. You may discover shared passions or new ones to explore.
6. Travel Experiences: Share travel experiences and adventures, including favorite destinations and travel tips.
7. Favorite Teachers: Talk about your favorite teachers and the impact they had on your education. Share stories about their teaching styles.
8. Class Reunions: Discuss past class reunions and memorable moments from previous gatherings.
9. Memorable Events: Share stories about school dances, proms, sports events, or other memorable school activities.
10. School Traditions: Discuss school traditions, rituals, and events that you all participated in during your time at school.
11. Nostalgia: Talk about your feelings of nostalgia and how much things have changed since your school days.
12. Technology: Discuss how technology has evolved since your school years and how it has affected your lives and careers.
13. Life Lessons: Share life lessons you’ve learned since graduation and the wisdom you’ve gained along the way.
14. Reconnecting: Express your joy at reconnecting with old friends and share your enthusiasm for future gatherings.
15. Favorite Books and Movies: Discuss your favorite books, movies, or TV shows from your school days and catch up on recent favorites.
16. Travel Plans: Share your travel plans or bucket list destinations you’d like to visit in the future.
17. Community Involvement: Talk about your involvement in your communities, whether through volunteering, charity work, or local events.
18. Achievements and Goals: Share personal achievements and future goals, encouraging others to share their own successes and aspirations.
19. Health and Wellness: Discuss health and wellness topics, such as fitness routines, diet choices, and healthy habits.
20. Gratitude: Express gratitude for the opportunity to reconnect and reminisce about your school days with old friends.

School reunions are about celebrating the past, rekindling friendships, and creating new memories. Approach small talk with an open heart, and enjoy the opportunity to reconnect with your classmates.

To dive deeper into techniques of small talk and over a dozen do’s-and-Don’ts in specific situations, check out my comprehensive eBook “SMALL TALK — The Art of Social Survival .”