Small talk — a conversation or chit chat without any specific topic — is a necessity in any social or professional life. In fact, making small is a perfect replacement for an awkward and drawn out silence. But, what would you talk about, during small talk? Look around and comment on something. Or introduce yourself, or ask an ice-breaking question…. Here are some of the most common topics to start a conversation, or keep it going: 1. Introduction: If meeting for the first time, make sure to introduce yourself. It shows your interest in the meeting, and put a name to the face. Weather talk: This is all time classic, may be a bit too much used. However, a talk about weather always gets the conversation started. How was your day? This is always good way to keep the chit-chat alive. It makes the other side feel at ease and warms up the talk. Current news: Talk about current topics in the news — sports, headlines or any other current topics that your company may be interested in. Family talk: If appropriate, e. Family friends can always have tons to chit-chat about. Mutual friends: Talk about mutual friends, or friends of friends. Drinks and Food: If you are invited over for a party, or if meeting someone over a drink or a meal, you can always talk about the food or the menu or the drinks being served, 15. Discuss hobbies: Talk about your hobbies, find out what your company likes to do in the free time. Exchange ideas on any common interests you share. Talk about environment: — a new trend, to be environment friendly. You can always talk about new initiatives or ideas about saving environment. Travel talk: Talk about travel or vacation or a trip. Share a funny anecdote or a joke: If appropriate for the occasion and if you feel comfortable, share some funny story or a joke to lighten up the mood. Tech Stuff or new Gadgets:Talk about new toys — new cell phones, iPods, iPhones, new computers, new applications, Face-book, …. All of us have some new gadgets or computer applications that we like and love to talk about. Discuss politics: Not everybody enjoys politics, but if you find the conversation stumble on a political subject and if that is something you can talk about, nothing wrong with that. To master the art of small talk or improve upon it, you should also take a look at the article ; it discusses the proper approach to small talk, how to keep the conversation going, and how to end it gracefully. Rather than dreading an occasion, you may actually find yourself enjoying it, if you can master the art of small talk! That is the standard online ethic against plagiarism. I would like to know more about your students, so I can keep that in mind for my future writings.
