“A good greeting is better than a grand gift” – this proverb highlights the importance of greetings in communication. Small talk is a seemingly simple skill but plays a crucial role in building good relationships. So how to make small talk skillfully and create a favorable impression? Let’s explore the interesting secrets in this article!
1. Why is Small Talk Important?
Small talk is a way to show care and respect for the person you are talking to. It helps create closeness, friendliness, and lays the foundation for effective communication.
- Mr. Nguyen Van A, a soft skills training expert, once shared: “Small talk is the best way to build good relationships in all situations. It shows politeness, respect, and contributes to building trust between individuals.”
- Story: Imagine you are attending a party to meet new friends. You don’t know where to start the conversation. At this point, a simple small talk question like “Hi, how are you?” will help you break the ice and create an opportunity to start a conversation.
2. Things to Note When Making Small Talk
To make small talk skillfully, you need to pay attention to the following points:
2.1. Understand Your Audience
Before asking, take some time to learn about your audience. You can learn about their work, hobbies, family, etc.
- Example: If you know your audience is a businessman, you can ask about their business. Or if you know they are a travel enthusiast, you can ask about their recent trips.
2.2. Choose Appropriate Topics
Small talk needs to choose topics that are appropriate to the context and audience. Avoid sensitive, controversial, or overly personal topics.
- Example: Avoid asking about the person’s age, income, or marital status. Instead, ask about the weather, their recent activities, or current social events.
2.3. Use Appropriate Language
You should use polite, respectful language that is appropriate to the communication culture of the person you are talking to.
- Example: Instead of asking “What do you do?”, ask “How is your current work going?”. Or instead of asking “Do you have a family yet?”, ask “How is your family doing?”.
3. Common Small Talk Questions
Here are some common small talk questions you can refer to:
- “Hi, how are you?”
- “You look happy today, is there anything fun?”
- “What did you do last weekend?”
- “How is your current work going?”
- “How is your family doing?”
- “Do you have any plans for the upcoming holiday?”
- “Do you know anything about the event…” (mention a current event)
- “The weather is beautiful today, do you like this season?”
- “Do you know any good restaurants around here?”
- “Could you give me advice on…” (mention a problem you are facing)
4. How to Respond to Small Talk
When asked, you should also respond politely and show interest in the person you are talking to.
- Example: If someone asks you “How is your current work going?”, you can answer “Thank you, my work is going very well. How about you?”
5. Applying Small Talk Skills in Life
Small talk is a necessary skill in all areas of life, from work, study, to personal relationships.
- At work: Small talk with colleagues and customers helps build good relationships and promote effective cooperation.
- In study: Small talk with teachers and friends helps create a fun and comfortable atmosphere, promoting the spirit of learning.
- In personal relationships: Small talk with family, friends, and loved ones helps maintain and nurture good relationships.
6. Small Talk Skills – A Priceless Gift
Small talk skills are a priceless gift, helping you create a good impression on everyone. Take the time to practice this skill, and you will see positive changes in your relationships.
Remember that small talk is not just a normal social ritual but also a way for you to show care, respect, and build good relationships with everyone.
Let small talk skills become an indispensable part of your life!