What are some pointers for improving small talk skills?

Question

When I'm with friends, it's easy to open up and have long, in-depth conversations. However, I work at a store as a sales rep and sometimes have a little trouble with small talk and I hate awkward silences. If you have some advice you'd like to share, I'm all ears.

Answer 1

A compliment is always a good start. Taking business as a sales rep you can tell people what's new. Don't talk sports or politics or reliegion even if the other person starts it.
So if you have a customer you can say something like, I like your hair style it goes with your clothing style. BTW we have some shirts on sale that you might like.

Answer 2

You should always be qualifying right? isn't that what your manual tells you? I was always qualifying, asking questions about their life, future interests and purchases, the more questions you ask the more you will find out and the better youcan assist them with their purchases.and when you ask a question LISTEN to the answer.problem with alot of salespeople is, You're excited you're happy, you open your mouth and puke on them (say a whole bunch of stuff in a short period, never listening) after you've puked on them you're left with awkard silence.

Answer 3

I always use the F-O-R-M method. If you ask people about their Family, Occupation, Recreation, and/or Money (what they spend it on, like cars, etc.) you will usually get them to open right up.

You're getting people to talk about their favorite subject: themselves. Most people never tire of it! Do this and people will think you're the greatest conversationalist ever!

Answer 4

earn how to read other people's body language, and notice the smallest things they do, what they wear or have that could start off a conversation.

Answer 5

do you have hobbies ? talk about some your interesting that help for an ice breaker

be yourself and keep smiling!

hope that help