Have you ever shared a story with someone and they were obviously not paying attention and didn\u2019t care? That probably made you feel horrible, kind of embarrassed, and like you never want to talk to them again, right? Yeah, that was rude as hell of them and likely didn\u2019t help build a solid rapport at all.<\/p>\n
Some people prefer deeper conversations and respond well when you skip the usual small talk and ask more thoughtful questions. Others are naturally chatty and will carry most of the conversation if you provide occasional encouragement and follow-ups. To be a good conversationalist, it\u2019s crucial to match their energy instead of forcing your own conversation style in every interaction. Effective small talk is crucial for networking events and professional gatherings.<\/p>\n
I\u2019ve used this trick so many times, and people like it because most people are afraid to initiate the first conversation. I usually start by saying that this month, I\u2019m focused on eliminating and using fewer filler words, which is proving to be harder than it sounds. This shows that I\u2019m being real and allows them to share something personal that they are working on as well. Having good small talk topics up your sleeve won\u2019t just help you kick off great conversations, it\u2019ll also relieve some of the anxiety of walking into an unknown environment.<\/p>\n
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