How to Avoid Small Talk – with the Perfect Question (VIDEO)

My friend was once in a queue and overheard the man behind him loudly declaring, “You see, I’m the kind of guy who really doesn’t like to line up. I like to just get in and get out. But this? Not for me.”

I feel about him the way I feel about the kind of smug, annoying person who, when they find out I that show people how to do networking (that’s actually FUN), responds,

“Oh, I don’t do networking. You see, I hate small talk.”

Right, buddy. You and EVERY OTHER PERSON ALIVE.

Great news: small talk CAN be avoided, by asking a very simple question.
All is revealed when you click the big PLAY triangle below:

Quick summary for those without video access (though you ARE missing out on several wigs and a couple of obscene hand gestures):

Instead of asking, “What do you do?”, ask:

How’s your day been? What was your favourite part?

• Everyone has an answer (and is an expert)
• It’s a good question, even for introverts (not too intrusive)
• It’s also weirdly intimate (you’d ask it to your best friend)
• You’re likely to hit on common touch points
• It makes the person talking feel AMAZING – which makes them feel amazing about YOU!

Want to avoid small talk? Ask better questions!
(TWEET THIS HERE!)

Your Turn

I’d like you to try this question at least once this week. With someone you meet through work; someone who you’re buying a thing from; or a friend of a friend. Then let me know, in the comments below, how it went! I’d also – of course – LOVE to hear any small talk horror stories you have. Remember: sharing is healing. Write it out in the comments below, and we’ll ALL feel better!

Thanks so much for watching and reading! If you have a friend that HATES small talk, it would be rad if you could share it with them.

You rule!

xx (Yes Yes) Marsha