what (apart from the weather) makes for good small talk?

Question

working for strangers

Answer 1

Anything that's in the context, especially if they have obvious interest in it. For example, if the person has a book that they've been reading, ask about the book. If the person has an mp3 player, talk about how many mp3 players there are available out there and ask the person why they selected that one and whether they are happy with it. A really good question to ask on public transportation is "Are you going home?" -- you can usually take the answer to this question and ask about the person's family, where they live, etc.

Answer 2

Here are some ideas that i hope can help you:

As you said, the weather.

The condition of the road. (boring, but if you're desperate...)

An Intruiging or good Book that you may have read, or one that you could be reading.

Any good films (try not to mention anything too embarrasing)

Interests (always seem good for small talk)

Passions and hobbies

Delicate subjects (art and music are good ones, but if the person who you are talking to, does not seem interested, try sport :P)

The world today

Human welfare

Politics (of course)

Electronics (if you're a man :P

that's all i can come up with, I hope that helps, if you ever find yourself in the situation of small talk

Good luck :P

Answer 3

1. Does your skin fit your body or do you have to tuck bits in?
2. Do you have all your own teeth?
3. How many fillings do you have, and if you could choose, how many would you like?
4. What's your favourite fruit - a pear or an apple - and why?
5. How fast can you run?
6. How high can you jump?
7. Name 100 things to do with nuclear physics and then put them in alphabetical order.
8. Why is France?
9. How long can you hold your breath (you can think up other things to say whilst she is trying).

Answer 4

Hobbies? Sports?
When my husband and I are invited out and we don't know many people, we talk about home improvement. Most people have opinions and a few "horror" stories about home improvements.

Stay away from religion and politics. Those are button pushers!

Ask about favorite books read, movies, restaurants, etc.

Most people like to talk about themselves in some fashion.
These are 'safe' subjects and allow for more conversation- they lead on to other things.

Answer 5

At school, the only way I make friends in my classes is if we make fun of the teacher. Quietly of course. That usually opens things up for conversation. Just don't ask how some one's weekend was on a Wednesday. I hate that.

Answer 6

Music food travel clothes Holidays the price of Gas etc.

Answer 7

Pets, Children, foreign policy, world famine, global warming, which team will win a world cup. Little things like that.
--That Cheeky Lad

Answer 8

Where are you from - originally?
Do you have any brothers or sisters?

Ask something about what they're wearing or driving in a positive and complimentary manner: "I like that sports jacket - very nicely tailored. Where did you have it fitted?"

Answer 9

oh god, don't you hate small talk!?! I know I do, but I suppose it's a necessity.
Pay attention to your surroundings....if they have pictures of family on their desks, ask about them, pets, pictures of holidays, etc.
Pets, family, food (everyone loves to eat), drink, pubs, restaurants near work, previous employment (yours and theirs), automobiles, sports, books, films, takeaway restaurants, disasters (people love to laugh at others misfortune, and you endear yourself by poking fun at yourself), birthplaces, uni attended, art, MUSIC, electronic equipment, jokes you've heard....
You can work anything into a conversation if you pay attention and pick up on cues.

Answer 10

Anything, thats whats good about meeting new people you can learn anything about them. Make a comment on what their wearing, bring up a current event, etc. etc.