We hear the expression "small talk" a lot and in fact, this is used in a wide range of contexts.
In your daily life, whether in the personal context or professional context, small talk is there.
First of all, let's define small talk. According to the dictionary, small talk is a "conversation about things that are not important, often between people who do not know each other well".
Typical small talk topics are weather, TV shows, hobbies, and restaurants.
In this blog I am going to refer to small talk as an important tool in the business/professional context, to build relationships, networking, and create a more comfortable atmosphere for business interactions.
After 20 years working in the International Trade area, please believe me that this is a powerful tool, that you need to master to fill some of the awkward moments with your clients when you are not discussing business. I recall several moments where small talk was crucial, in business lunches, before a meeting, after picking up a client at the airport and driving him to the hotel, and showing a client the city in between meetings.
Small talk plays a surprisingly significant role in the business context. While it might seem trivial, it serves several important purposes:
Building rapport: Small talk helps to establish a personal connection between individuals. It creates a more relaxed atmosphere and can make interactions more enjoyable. Building rapport can lead to stronger professional relationships, which can be beneficial in future business dealings.
Breaking the ice: Small talk is often used as an icebreaker before diving into more serious business discussions. Starting with light conversation can help ease any tension and set a positive tone for the meeting.
Networking: Small talk is a crucial skill for networking. Engaging in casual conversation at networking events or conferences can help you make new connections and leave a lasting impression.
Gauging compatibility: Small talk allows you to assess the other person's communication style, interests, and personality. This understanding can help tailor your approach during more substantive discussions.
Opportunity for information gathering: Casual conversation can provide valuable insights into the other person's interests, needs, and concerns. These insights can be useful for tailoring your pitch or negotiating effectively.
Cultural awareness: Small talk can also be important for navigating cultural differences in business interactions. Understanding and participating in small talk appropriate to the culture can demonstrate respect and build trust.
As mentioned above, small talk can occur in all contexts of our daily life. Here I am going to point out some situations in business contexts:
Before meetings: Small talk often occurs before formal meetings as a way to break the ice and establish rapport among participants. This can involve discussing non-work-related topics such as the weather, weekend plans, or recent events.
During networking events: Small talk is a common feature of networking events, where professionals gather to exchange ideas, make connections, and explore potential business opportunities. Conversations during these events can range from personal interests to industry trends.
At conferences and seminars: Attendees at conferences and seminars often engage in small talk during breaks, meals, or networking sessions. This informal interaction provides opportunities to exchange insights, experiences, and contact information.
In informal settings: Small talk can occur in more informal settings such as office hallways, coffee breaks, or social gatherings. These casual conversations can help foster a sense of camaraderie among colleagues and contribute to a positive work environment.
During business trips: Small talk often occurs during business trips, whether it's with colleagues, clients, or business partners. Discussions may revolve around travel experiences, local attractions, or cultural observations.
While waiting: Small talk can also happen while waiting for appointments, meetings, or transportation. This downtime presents an opportunity to engage in casual conversation and build relationships with others.While small talk can help build rapport and create a positive atmosphere, it's essential to be mindful of topics that might be sensitive or inappropriate in a business context.
Having in mind that small talk is important to built relationships and create a comfortable atmosphere, there are some topics that can be important as warm up in business context, such as:
Industry-related news: Discussing recent developments, trends, or innovations in your industry can be a great way to start a conversation and show your interest in the field.
Work-related projects or initiatives: Asking about someone's current projects or initiatives can demonstrate your interest in their work and create opportunities for collaboration or knowledge sharing.
Professional development: Inquiring about training programs, conferences, or workshops that someone has attended or plans to attend can be a positive topic that shows your interest in their career growth.
Company culture: Discussing company events, traditions, or initiatives can help foster a sense of belonging and community among colleagues.
Common interests: Finding common interests outside of work, such as hobbies, sports, or travel experiences, can help build rapport and create connections beyond the workplace.
Local events or attractions: Asking about local events, concerts, or attractions can be a light-hearted topic that allows you to share recommendations and experiences.
Books, movies, or TV shows: Discussing books, movies, or TV shows that you've enjoyed recently can be a fun and engaging topic that reveals your personality and interests.
Food and dining: Sharing recommendations for restaurants, recipes, or cooking tips can be a pleasant topic that brings people together over shared experiences.
Travel experiences: Sharing travel experiences, vacation plans, or favorite destinations can be an interesting topic that allows you to learn more about someone's interests and experiences.
Sports: Discussing sports events, teams, or games can be a popular topic that many people enjoy, but be mindful of the preferences of those you're speaking with and avoid overly competitive or controversial discussions.
It's essential to be aware of topics that might be sensitive or inappropriate in a business context, such as:
Politics: Political discussions can be divisive and may lead to disagreements or discomfort among colleagues or clients who hold differing views.
Religion: Similar to politics, discussing religion can be sensitive and may not be appropriate for the workplace, as it can potentially offend others or lead to conflict.
Personal finances: Asking about someone's financial situation, salary, or investments can be intrusive and make people uncomfortable.
Health issues: Inquiring about someone's health, medical history, or personal challenges can be seen as invasive and may cross boundaries.
Personal relationships: Avoid asking about someone's romantic life, marital status, or family matters, as these topics can be private and sensitive.
Controversial current events: While discussing current events can be common in small talk, it's best to avoid topics that are highly controversial or polarizing, as they may lead to disagreements.
Gossip or negative talk: Engaging in gossip or speaking negatively about colleagues, clients, or competitors can create a toxic atmosphere and damage professional relationships.
Personal appearance: Commenting on someone's appearance, weight, or physical attributes can be perceived as inappropriate or offensive.
Age-related topics: Avoid making assumptions or comments about someone's age, retirement plans, or generational differences, as these can be sensitive issues.
Sensitive personal experiences: Refrain from asking about traumatic or sensitive personal experiences, such as past failures, losses, or hardships, as these topics may be emotionally challenging for some individuals.
Now that we have came accross the definition of small talk and found out when does it occur what are the aceptable topics and the one to be avoided, let's take a loot to some possible conversation starters:
"How was your weekend?"
"Do you have any exciting plans for the holidays?"
"Have you been to any interesting events lately?"
"How's the [project/task] coming along?"
"What did you think of [recent industry news or event]?"
"Do you have any fun plans for the upcoming [holiday or weekend]?"
"Did you catch the game last night?"
"How's the weather been treating you lately?"
"Have you tried that new restaurant/coffee shop nearby?"
"Any tips for staying productive during busy times?"
"I noticed you're reading [book/magazine], how are you finding it?"
"How was your commute today?"
"Did you see the latest [industry publication/article]?"
"Have you been to any interesting conferences or workshops lately?"
"Any exciting projects on your plate at the moment?"
"Have you had a chance to check out [local attraction]?"
"What do you think about [recent business development or trend]?"
"How's your day going so far?"
"Any recommendations for good lunch spots around here?"
"Did you catch up on any good movies or TV shows recently?"
"Have you had a nice flight?"
"Have you been to (country) or is this the first time coming here?
In conclusion, small talk is quite important in the business context as there are several moments where we are not working propery that we need to fill. Think about the situations when this mught occur, study some possible scenarios and bear in mind what topics are acceptable and which ones should be avoinded.