We Hate Making Small Talk, but Here’s Why We Have To
Posted November 28th, 2015
Small talk seems shallow at the surface, but it serves a much more crucial function than simply filling silence. Discussing the weather, the latest news, and other informal and uncontroversial topics may feel like time wasted on drivel, but it can lead to success in your career – even in a scientific field. Check out these benefits of small talk and how you can perform it successfully.
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Connections
Small talk is often the precursor to deeper discussions. Without opening that door with seemingly trivial surface topics, you may miss out on forming personal connections with other people. Skipping out on small talk could cost you potential business contacts, job leads, or friendships. Form connections through small talk by expressing interest in the other person and asking open-ended questions. People tend to have an easier time talking about themselves and this keeps the conversation going.
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Opportunities
Many people avoid small talk because it appears not to have a purpose other than to fill the air. However, the beauty of small talk is that you never know where it will lead. Perhaps only a handful of small talk discussions will ever lead to bigger opportunities, but even if those instances are few and far between, they’ll be valuable enough to make up for so-called “wasted” small talk. When you’re networking, make small talk flow more easily by bringing up the event itself as well as what brought the person there or what their professional challenges or goals are.
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Trust
Both colleagues and your superiors are more likely to view you as trustworthy and influential if you engage with them. Small talk is a way to show that you’re confident and likeable. This explains why so many of the top business leaders are also skilled conversationalists. People are more willing to take your ideas seriously if they like you. Improve your small talk skills by coming up with a few possible topics to discuss. You can even practice what you’ll say in common scenarios if you’re not naturally used to thinking quickly on your feet or get nervous or tongue-tied.
Mastering the art of small talk is just one way to help achieve your career objectives – working with Bayside Solutions is another. Since 2001, Bayside has helped thousands of candidates find opportunities in Northern California and throughout the nation. Search our current listing of available jobs to get started with Bayside.
