Small talk?? Any suggestions?

Question

Can you suggest things to talk about if you have to make small talk with people?

I always hate making small talk for the sake of it.

Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Answer 1

People love talking about themselves. Just ask a question about let the conversation roll. Pretty much whatever answer they give you you'll be able to think of something else to say or ask in reponse

Jobs

School

Family in the area

if you dont want to seem nosey ask about something in the area. If your desperate ask about something you even know about.

example: "have you heard of that gold course on brookdale rd? I heard it fun, but do you know if its expensive?"

Answer 2

Avoid subjects such as Money, Religion, Politics, s*x

Keep it simple.

Where your from, what you do for a living, hobbies.

Answer 3

Ask 'em  "So, you think you're better than me?"

That always works.

Maybe "So, how many lovers have YOU had" and reply with "yeah whatever"

Answer 4

anything but your kids.....that is the worst....especially if you do not know these kids.  and please leave the pictures at home....talk about the latest movies.....or britney spears anything but your kids

Answer 5

Small talk really is an art that i haven't mastered yet. Most people have problem making small talk. Talking about the weather? Boring..

The only advice i can give you is to wait for the other person to make a comment and then you answer. Make an effort to be a good listener and focus on things that other people are wearing, if you like it, compliment them.

Answer 6

talk about what you do for a living, hobbies, where you traveled, where you would like to travel, movies/tv shows you've seen recently, where your family is from, etc.

i would not talk about politics or religion.

Answer 7

Sports are usually a good safe topic.  Pets, kids, school or work are usually safe too.  

Answer 8

there will be no use

Answer 9

If you don't know them, then the usual like jobs, holidays, weather, sports. And depending on their answers expand the conversation... don't talk about politics, religion or badly about another person

Answer 10

It depends on the social situation. I seem to always fall into something to talk about, if nothing else saying what I will be doing next opens the door. Some, of course simply say nothing in return. Good-oh! Then no need for small talk.

I always consider that there is as much pressure on the other person to talk as there is on me.  

Answer 11

depending on the crowd -  weather, sports teams, vacation spots, upcoming/local concerts/events, crazy statistics youve heard recently - all things that allow different opinions but most likely wont turn into a heated debate

Answer 12

Small talk is just that; avoid 'big topics' like politics or religion.

In most English-speaking countries, it is normal and necessary to make "small talk" in certain situations. Small talk is a casual form of conversation that "breaks the ice" or fills an awkward silence between people. Even though you may feel shy it is sometimes considered rude to say nothing. Just as there are certain times when small talk is appropriate, there are also certain topics that people often discuss during these moments.

It also depends on the situation, if you are at a party a good question to ask is, "Did you come far for the party tonight?" then you could discuss the parking situation, traffic, weather or the neighbourhood where they live. Another opening for a party conversation is: "How do you know the host/hostess?"  If it is in a business situation you could ask someone when they arrive before a meeting or interview, "Did you have any trouble finding the company ( or office )?"

Here are some more situations where small talk is appropriate and polite comments to make or questions to ask.

Talking about the weather

    * Beautiful day, isn't it?

    * Can you believe all of this rain we've been having?

    * It looks like it's going to snow.

    * It sure would be nice to be in Hawaii right about now.

    * I hear they're calling for thunderstorms all weekend.

    * We couldn't ask for a nicer day, could we?

    * How about this weather?

    * Did you order this sunshine? (be careful about humour)

Talking about current events

    * Did you watch the news today?

    * Did you hear about that fire?

    * What do you think about the strike?

    * I read in the paper today that the Mall is closing.

    * I heard on the radio today that they are finally going to start building the new bridge.

    * How about those Blues? Do you think they're going to win tonight?

At the office

    * Did you have a nice weekend? (on Monday or Tuesday)

    * Looking forward to the weekend? (on Thursday or Friday)

    * Have you worked here long?

    * I can't believe how busy/quiet we are today, can you?

    * Has it been a long week?

    * You look like you could use a cup of coffee.

    * What do you think of the new computers?

At a social event

    * So, how do you know our host?

    * Have you tried the rolls that Sandy made?

    * Are you enjoying yourself?

    * It looks like you could use another drink.

    * Pretty nice place, huh?

    * I love your outfit. Can I ask where you got it?

Out for a walk

    * What's your puppy's name? (be careful that it is a dog, not a child)

    * The roses are beautiful at this time of year, aren't they?

    * How do you like the new park?

    * Nice day to be outside, isn't it?

Waiting somewhere

    * I didn't think it would be so busy today.

    * You look like you've got your hands full (with children or goods).

    * The bus must be running late today.

    * It looks like we are going to be here a while, huh?

    * I'll have to remember not to come here on Mondays.

    * How long have you been waiting?

Remember to listen to the answers that people give you and use active listening.  Actively listening focuses on the person communicating  Listen with your ears but also with your eyes and other senses.

Be aware: non-verbally acknowledge points in the speech. Don't agree or disagree, but encourage the train of thought. Be involved actively respond to questions and directions.  Use your body position (e.g. lean forward) and attention to encourage the speaker and signal your interest.  

Finally, remember that other people can feel awkward too, but if you are genuinely interested in what they have to say they will appreciate your small talk.

Answer 13

There was this one time at Band Camp.....