Imagine yourself at an exclusive
event that your company asked you to attend.You are all by yourself and you don’t know one single person
at this party.How do you make
small talk with strangers and how do you keep the conversation interesting
enough that you will successfully build a relationship?A study at the Stanford University
School of Business tracked a group of MBAs 10 years after they graduated. The
result? Grade point averages had
no bearing on their success, but their ability to converse with others did.
Making small talk makes a lot of sense with people you’ve just met especially
when it’s your job to socialize and mingle.So how do you approach someone you’ve just met?
I think small talk can be a big
challenge especially if you are shy and introverted, so it’s important to focus
on what is interesting as a topic and prepare with confidence.Below are a few ways on how to make
small talk:
- Prepare:A few days before attending a function come up with three
things you feel comfortable talking about and four generic questions that will
get others talking to you.Make
your conversation relevant to what is happening today and make sure to include
past experiences that you’ve been involved in.
- Read everything:Newspapers, magazines, reviews, product
inserts, maps, Wikipedia, twitter trending topics, quote and anything and
everything you can feed your brain with. I remember in high school our teacher
would always made sure we read 3 news articles a day so we were always up to
date with our current events so we can have something to discuss in class.
Knowing a little bit about everything is impressive and not to mention a good
start to make conversation.
- Talk about TV:There’s always that one show that
everyone watches and loves to hate.
Share your favorite TV shows whether it’s a reality TV show, American
idol or Jay Leno, it doesn’t matter it makes great conversation.
- Comment on a piece of clothing or
accessory:Ask where it came from,
comment them on their dress or tie. Making small talk is about being observant
about people you don’t know well.
- Remember their names during
introductions. This is critical for me.
The first thing I do when someone introduces him/her to me is say his or
her name twice.This is so
important in business and in life because it shows you care and also a good
listener.
- Stay focused on the conversation:
Participate and give feedback.No
one wants to talk to someone who is just stands there and nods.If you don’t have anything to say
during the conversation smile and make eye contact. Never glance around the
room while they are talking to you, not only is this rude but shows no manners.
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- Watch your body language.
Act confident and comfortable
