The Science of Small Talk—Why Small Talk Has Big Impact

Many people still have no idea on what the small talk purpose looks like because they haven’t tried it out yet. Professional small talk is highly recommended in the workplace. It is one of the effective social skills that bring people together. 

Instead of being regular colleagues, employees get to develop and maintain healthy relationships amongst themselves. They also get to build trust and can rely on one another as time goes on. This is very healthy for the workplace as it improves the general work environment and success rate of a company. 

Employees with professional small talk skills get to connect with different people and share thoughts and ideas on different topics of interest that are not related to work most of the time. The idea is to understand each other and feel safe around one another to increase growth. 

One of the small talk purposes is to build a solid relationship among colleagues. Small talk should be used to stop the awkward silence colleagues feel around each other. It’s best to feel free and talk about something that excites both of you. 

The really good thing about small talk is that some colleagues become more than just colleagues to be best friends. They become people who share the same goals and grow together to achieve them.

Why is small talk so important?

We could go on and on about the small talk purposes once you start using it in the workplace, but listing a few importance of small talk could be very beneficial to you. Here are a few small-talk purposes you can experience: 

Build on solid relationships

Professional small talk is important because it lets you connect with your colleagues on different levels. This is surprising because most people never thought they could make friends at work. However, professional small talk proves that wrong. Making small talk at work with other colleagues helps you determine which one of them shares the same interests as you do. And then you start to develop a relationship with that person.

Enhances networking at social gatherings

Many people are usually shy when it comes to communicating with others at social events. Even when they want to meet new people, they don’t know how to start a conversation. Small talk can help you connect more easily. You could start by complimenting their outfit, hair, or jewelry. Or you could ask about the event to get to know the person. 

It makes Interviews less awkward

With small talk, you don’t need to be stiff and uncomfortable when taking an interview. You can talk to the hiring manager about something that could interest them. You could ask about their company or anything that could improve the mood, but don’t go overboard with your questions. 

Conditions for making small talk at work 

We advise that you give off a friendly body language by smiling and giving off the right vibe to your colleagues. By doing this, others can feel comfortable when trying to speak with you. 

Also, ask relevant questions and keep the answers in mind. This shows them that you paid close attention to the conversation. You should also share your opinions and thoughts as well, so it doesn’t look like a one-sided conversation to them. 

Common Topics for Small Talk

We know that starting a conversation isn’t always easy, especially when you are not sure what to talk about and what might interest the other party. However, we have some very common topics for small talk that most people usually enjoy having a conversation on:

Hobbies

You could talk about a hobby you like so much, or you could start by asking them what theirs could be. Then, ask more questions about the hobbies and what it is like for them. Make the conversation fun by also sharing what your hobbies are to you as well.

Recent happenings

People love to talk about what’s happening around them or in the world in general. However, keep in mind that you shouldn’t bring up discussions about politics or religion in the workplace as they are sensitive topics. Making small talk at work is key to discussing current events that have happened.

Physical compliments

This is another good way to start small talk. You can do this by complimenting their outfit or hair or talking about how you have a particular thing that they have as well. However, make sure not to address anything that could sound off to them.

Weather

You could talk about how warm or cold the weather is. If it’s raining, you could express how much you love the rainy seasons. Or if it’s summer, you could talk about all you love to do in that season. 

Other topics to talk about include food, family, work, etc.

Conclusion

There are many small talk purposes that most people aren’t aware of. But it’s really essential for small talk to be encouraged in the workplace.

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