| Small talk can be a big help. | | | | leave on even their most casual of acquaintances. |
| Did you read that, think to yourself "I hate | | | | Of course, these would be considered small social |
| making small talk?" Most people do. | | | | perks at best - sometimes the true greatness of |
| The fact is small talk can be described by any | | | | small talk is not discovered until it is used in a |
| number of words, but few are good. It can be | | | | more professional setting. |
| annoying, inconvenient and down right awkward at | | | | Here is a good example, this happened to one of |
| times. However, it can also provide a huge range | | | | my friend's mother a while back which proves |
| of benefits that you kick yourself for not making | | | | small talk can actually lead to a promotion, or at |
| use of sooner! | | | | the very least, consideration for special |
| In your day to day life utilizing the benefits of | | | | assignments. Several years ago she was working |
| small talk is a blessing; you can do it anywhere, | | | | as a lecturer at a medical school; a good job with |
| with anyone, and you don't have the pressure of | | | | nice pay, but not the job she really wanted. Her |
| carrying on with a long and possibly serious | | | | boss, an older lady named Margaret, was |
| conversation you would probably prefer to avoid. | | | | incredibly intimidating - with an air of superiority |
| For example, we have all felt the awkwardness | | | | and a mean look about her, the staff avoided her |
| wash over us as we, riding up in an elevator | | | | when they could. One day, my friend's mother, |
| alone, are suddenly joined by another person. | | | | (being the saintly woman that she is,) ran into |
| Should we make eye contact? Say "hey"? Maybe | | | | Margaret and another colleague in the copying |
| we should ask them what number their floor is to | | | | room; the other colleague was reloading the paper |
| break the silence? | | | | tray, and both women were in total awkward |
| When you know how to effectively use small talk | | | | silence - and she wanted to ease the atmosphere |
| in your day to day life this is a non issue - you | | | | of tension in the room. |
| acknowledge the stranger and discuss simple, light | | | | To make a long story short, she asked Margaret |
| topics that can be covered easily in the time it | | | | whether or not she had any plans for the |
| takes to get from the ground floor all the way up | | | | weekend - as it turned out her demeanor entirely |
| to level 17. You will not only alleviate any | | | | changed, clearly because someone had finally |
| awkwardness for yourself, but also for the other | | | | shown an interest in her life outside work. |
| person, and they will find you to be friendly and | | | | From that time on small talk between them was |
| engaging when really you are just engaging in the | | | | commonplace, and in time my friend's mother |
| age old tradition of small talk. | | | | became first choice to fill in while Margaret was |
| It can be about the weather, a local sports team, | | | | away. And now, twelve years later, my friend's |
| plans for the weekend or a recent news event. | | | | mother is in the highest position at her workplace, |
| (When using the news as a subject for small talk | | | | exactly where she wanted to be - all because she |
| stay away from politics, controversial issues and | | | | showed an interest in her boss. |
| depressing topics - these will have the opposite | | | | This true story illustrates how useful small talk is |
| effect to what you desire, and nothing will be | | | | in our daily lives, whether at work or outside of |
| accomplished.) At first it might seem like it has | | | | work. And learning how to make small talk can |
| little effect, but when you run into the same | | | | certainly make the difference not only between |
| person next Wednesday morning and they greet | | | | an awkward elevator ride and a laugh, but also |
| you with a smile, perhaps even a handshake, and | | | | between being intimidated by your boss and being |
| inquire as to how you are, you will appreciate the | | | | the only guy in the office not afraid to share his |
| significant impression a gifted "small talker" can | | | | ideas and even go after that promotion. |