Rapport
While many people are quite comfortable talking to others, even strangers, some people struggle with so much as small talk.
Most all social situations begin with small talk, which will engage a conversation and help it flow in another direction. However, if you are one of those persons who have no idea where to begin with small talk, the following tips may help.
Talk About Your Surroundings
Keep in mind that whatever you are doing, the other person is in the same location as you. Thus, this may offer you something to talk about. Look around at your surroundings. Even if your are simply waiting in line at a fast food restaurant, you can comment on how long the line is or how good their fries are. Strive for a pleasant and casual attitude.
When you begin a conversation like this, others will more than likely say something back. Chances are, the other person will offer a casual comment as well, and a conversation has begun. It gets much easier after this. If the other person simply smiles, but does not offer a comment, do not get frustrated. Smile back and move on to another individual.
Ask About Personal Interests
Ask yourself what you would like to know about the other person. While you should, in no way, ask too much on an initial conversation, pick one general topic to ask them about. Ask them where they work or what they like to do in their spare time. If you notice a wedding ring on the person’s finger, ask if they have any children. All of these things can get a conversation started.
Ask About Their Day
Most everybody appreciates it when others ask about them in a friendly tone. Thus, you can always ask them how they are doing or how their day has been. For example, you can ask a cashier whether or not they have been very busy today. This is a great ice-breaker, and the other person will usually say something, even if it is just a small comment.
Additionally, you will find that when you use this tactic to make small talk, the other person
Most all social situations begin with small talk, which will engage a conversation and help it flow in another direction. However, if you are one of those persons who have no idea where to begin with small talk, the following tips may help.
Talk About Your Surroundings
Keep in mind that whatever you are doing, the other person is in the same location as you. Thus, this may offer you something to talk about. Look around at your surroundings. Even if your are simply waiting in line at a fast food restaurant, you can comment on how long the line is or how good their fries are. Strive for a pleasant and casual attitude.
When you begin a conversation like this, others will more than likely say something back. Chances are, the other person will offer a casual comment as well, and a conversation has begun. It gets much easier after this. If the other person simply smiles, but does not offer a comment, do not get frustrated. Smile back and move on to another individual.
Ask About Personal Interests
Ask yourself what you would like to know about the other person. While you should, in no way, ask too much on an initial conversation, pick one general topic to ask them about. Ask them where they work or what they like to do in their spare time. If you notice a wedding ring on the person’s finger, ask if they have any children. All of these things can get a conversation started.
Ask About Their Day
Most everybody appreciates it when others ask about them in a friendly tone. Thus, you can always ask them how they are doing or how their day has been. For example, you can ask a cashier whether or not they have been very busy today. This is a great ice-breaker, and the other person will usually say something, even if it is just a small comment.
Additionally, you will find that when you use this tactic to make small talk, the other person