Make a Big Impression with Small Talk…… equipping yourself with great topics

One of the important factors in differentiating yourself from others is your ability to communicate. In business, it is often the small talk that brings you closer to a client. The way you enter into a conversation reveals your comfort level. The topics you choose to speak about relate important information to others. Do you tell more or do you ask more? Do you connect?

In our formal business education, it is rare for a course to include “small talk,” so here are five tips to help you feel comfortable and confident when a small talk opportunity arises for you.

1) If you are attending an event and know that you will be seeing people that you already know, give yourself the time to think about your prior conversations with them. Refresh your memory with names and events that they might have mentioned to you. Bring those topics up during your conversation. It shows that you care…and cared enough to remember.

2) When you meet new people in person, or over the phone and small talk is appropriate, keep your conversation very upbeat and always positive. As you enter into small talk conversation, you have to feel your way around. Listen and look for signals of interest….or disinterest. Make sure you do not monopolize the conversation. Asking a question is a perfect way of keeping the conversation alive. Small talk can be tricky though, asking too many questions can turn people off.

3) Topics to avoid are these classics – sex, politics and religion. You know of course, that these topics sometimes become the center of the conversation. My recommendation is simple - in the business arena if you are not a sex therapist, a politician or a religious leader, avoid these topics. It might take some extra clever thinking to get around to a new topic so plan in advance. Do not get caught off guard.

4) Keep abreast of current events, current news, sports, movies, music, best selling books, restaurant offerings and general information. You will be armed with enough information and variety of topics to speak to anyone, at any level at any time.

5) How to keep it all together….take notes. Refer to them as needed. You can not be expected to remember everything, so it is perfectly alright to keep a file of facts. Just as you keep business notes – keep some small talk notes too!

Practice being a great conversationalist, and always be aware of time. Small talk is general, pleasant conversation and not too lengthy – otherwise it would be Big Talk!

Joan R. Stokely (jrs@thesocietyofdiplomacy.com) is the President of The Society of Diplomacy, Inc., a protocol and etiquette consulting firm. We offer extraordinary training programs for corporate professionals who desire greater success in their careers. Increase your knowledge of business protocol and etiquette, your corporate image, international intelligence and social skills by attending programs specifically designed for you.

< Back