13 ways to get better at small talk
Users on Reddit and question-and-answer site Quora say a little bit of flattery and knowledge of current events goes a long way
In a recent article for Wired magazine, Kristin Berman and behavioural economist Dan Ariely share their experience hosting a dinner party with one key rule: “Absolutely no small talk.”
Apparently, the guests were all the happier for it — and the authors conclude in their headline that “small talk should be banned.”
Whether this sounds to you like a great idea or a terrifying prospect, the fact is that most event organisers won’t go so far as to prohibit small talk — so you’d best get good at it.
To help you out, we checked out Quora, Reddit, and other resources, and highlighted some of the best tips for upping your small-talk game. You can even make a habit of practising with strangers you’ll probably never see again, since research suggests that making conversation with fellow commuters leaves people happier.
Read on to impress new acquaintances — and yourself — with your masterful conversation skills.
1. Demonstrate interest in your conversation partner
Several Quora users noted that the best way to keep a conversation rolling is to show you care about what the other person has to say.