Have you ever noticed that some people are better at small talk than others?

Question

I, personally, suck at small talk. I always try to get something meaningful out of a conversation. When I'm around people I don't know, I can't think of things to say to keep a conversation going. I know that other people have a very easy time doing small talk. This leads me to believe that their are levels of small talk ability.

Answer 1

you're kind of right

Answer 2

I think we all have different skill sets, and some people have better small talk skills than other.

I think the best way to approach small talk is to have a short list of questions that most people have a response to, like (and these are lame) What did you do over the weekend, what do you think of the weather, where are you from, what do you do for a living, where do you live? Basically you're just trying to find something you both have in common so you can discuss that further.

Answer 3

Many years ago I read a book by Barbara Walters on how she did interviews with important people. Sorry, I can't remember the name, but one tip that stuck in my mind is that she said to try to find out something they are passionate about, then ask questions about it. Maybe it's their kids, maybe it's a hobby, whatever. Get the person to talk about their passion, then all you have to do is sit back and listen and ask leading questions when they start to wind down. Eventually, the conversation can lead into other areas, but you have opened the dam by asking the personal questions.

Answer 4

I am very good at small talk. I can sit down with someone i've known for about a minute and talk for days. My sister however, is the complete opposite. It is so hard to get her to talk to new people, even though she is two years older than I. I think it just depends on the level of self-esteem and how comfortable you are being yourself.

Answer 5

Some people do seem to have a knack for it, but it can be learnt, just remember that they are usually more interested in themselves than u, so ask them questions about themselves. Ive even had people say things to me like "i know im supposed to say something interesting and witty now, but I drawing a blank" it got a laugh and broke the ice, also put me at ease knowing they were just as unsure as me. Honesty goes a long way in social intercourse.

Answer 6

Yup. I bad at little talk too.