Different Ways To Get Better In Small Talk

The ability to easily talk is truly priceless. Both for business purposes and your moral satisfaction. But what if you and your potential interlocutor definitely have no common ground? How to behave with an unexpectedly hanging pause? What if you inadvertently insulted the interlocutor? We have prepared several tips for you to avoid such situations or elegantly escape from them.

Show that you are interested in your interlocutor

The most win-win option for maintaining a conversation is to show that you are really interested in what he/she says. If the person you are talking to is strongly indifferent to you, then there is nothing surprising in the fact that you cannot find the way to keep the conversation going. Arrange the interlocutor, let him relax and tell about himself. People often do like talking about themselves, especially when they are communicating through a chat messenger.

Ask direct questions openly

The exchange of so-called “yes-no questions” will quickly lead the conversation to a standstill and does not encourage your interlocutor to share some interesting details from his life at all. Direct and open-ended questions contribute much more to maintaining a conversation! For example, if at some party you ask one of the guests how he met the owner, the conversation promises to start and continue. If you ask him if his whole family is present at the party, then the conversation will most likely come to naught, because the answer will be quite short.

Let him/her teach you something

If there is something that you do not know, do not hide it, and nine out of ten, you will be happy to learn this! As you noticed, we are returning to the key idea - let your interlocutor speak more than you do. For example, by asking what the interlocutor means, you stimulate him to speak for a few more minutes.

Stay up to date with the latest news

Read the news shortly before the alleged social event - don’t miss even those events that you are not particularly interested in. In that insidious moment when the dialogue breaks off and an awkward pause hangs, you can easily dispel the silence saying: “Do you know that...?” or "Have you heard about...?"

Tell funny stories

Do not be shy to show your interlocutor your attitude to what he/she tells you. It helps form a bond between the conversation leaders. For example, your interlocutor said that he/she spent some time in another country, where you also have lived for some time, you can share 2-3 of your stories that happened during your stay in that country. Then you will probably push him/her to tell you something similar and the conversation will continue.

Try to increase the self-esteem of the person you are talking to

To capture the interest of the interlocutor and keep the person attracted as long as possible, amuse his pride. Let him/her think about himself better than it was before talking to you!

Use the FORM technique:

FORM is a kind of a cheat-sheet, which facilitates easier contact and conversation.

• F - family: How long have you lived here? Where is your family? Do you have a sister or a brother?
• O - occupation: What is your job? What is your profession? Have you always worked there?
• R - recreation: Do you have a hobby? What do you like to do in your leisure? Where did you buy such a wonderful gadget? Did you do it yourself?
• M - money: What happens to gas prices? What is the confusion with a funded pension? Are consulting salaries still so high?

Practice everywhere

A conference participant at a coffee break or a travel companion on an airplane - it does not matter, have a small talk with everyone and hone your skills. As a result, you will feel more confident, it will become easier for you to start and conduct a fascinating conversation.

You can also start practicing online, using a free chat application – NEEO Messenger. It would allow you to chat with a stranger from all over the world. Download the app and upgrade your skills!