18 Sep 09 Making Small Talk

Making small talk could be the difference in how people perceive you as work.  By being very effective at small talk you can improve someone’s image of you.  You can use that to your advantage as you network yourself around the office, making as many friends as possible.  The more you can get your name out there, and in a positive light, the better.  Part of that is successfully making small talk, so that you can make a good first impression.

The first thing you should know about being good at making small talk, is to stay away from controversial subject matter.  Stay away from political news stories, and religious views, etc.  These are typically topics that people have very strong opinions about, and if yours happen to be different, it can spark a fairly heated debate.  A heated debate is not what you want to be on the opposite side of, when you’re chatting with your boss at the water cooler.  Instead focus on more simple things, like personal experiences.

Show genuine interest in what the other person has to say.  This is key, as anybody will know if you’re feigning interest to perhaps gain favor with that person.  Care about what they have to say, and offer good insightful as well as courteous input in return.  By genuinely caring and giving good positive input from your perspective, you make a positive connection.

Try to keep a list of news stories or popular movies that have recently come out, in your mind.  This way you’ve got good topics to bring up, and ones that most people are well aware of.  Plus movies and common news stories are good safe topics that almost anyone can connect to, and have a lighthearted conversation about.  Lighthearted friendly conversation that can easily be enjoyed by anyone is the key.  The better you get at small talk with your coworkers, the more well known you’ll be around the office, and that gives your work a better chance at being noticed.

Tags: Better Chance, Boss, Controversial Subject Matter, Coworkers, Friends, Genuine Interest, Good First Impression, Insightful, Lighthearted Conversation, News Stories, Person Care, Personal Experiences, Perspective, Political News, Religious Views, Strong Opinions, Water Cooler