How to Make Small Talk EAP EAP Hotline Documents |
One thing many people absolutely dread is the thought of having to make small talk at business or social gatherings. While it
sounds like it should be one of the easiest things in the world to do, it is amazing how many people experience high levels of
anxiety when they have to meet new people and make small talk. While there is no real “secret” to being better socially, it is a
conscious decision you make to that allows you to engage better with people.
To start being more social and outgoing you need to first decide to discard the dread, and consciously focus on having a few
conversational topics ready when you do need to engage with people. Rather than simply making up a few conversational
pieces, try to focus on three categories: (these areas of focus work because they are something you and the other person at the
event already have in common).
1. The location you are at and the immediate environment.
2. The event itself and its purpose.
3. What outcomes are expected from the event?
Once you have established these at parameters to start your conversation from you simply approach the conversation like you
would the writing of a story. Apply who, what, where, when, how, and why questions to these three areas of focus. Use these
questions to get the conversation going, and then confidently introduce yourself, repeating people’s names out loud as you meet
them. Make sure to nod your head and make comments as people speak so they know you are interested and listening to what
they have to say.
It is amazing how many people skip these basic rules of engagement, then find themselves alone in a corner, and cannot figure
out why.
Employing these simple skills can bring you a long way in being more social at events. Once you have perfected these skills you
will find yourself becoming increasingly more confident in social situations, and enjoying these events more.
For Further Information:
sounds like it should be one of the easiest things in the world to do, it is amazing how many people experience high levels of
anxiety when they have to meet new people and make small talk. While there is no real “secret” to being better socially, it is a
conscious decision you make to that allows you to engage better with people.
To start being more social and outgoing you need to first decide to discard the dread, and consciously focus on having a few
conversational topics ready when you do need to engage with people. Rather than simply making up a few conversational
pieces, try to focus on three categories: (these areas of focus work because they are something you and the other person at the
event already have in common).
1. The location you are at and the immediate environment.
2. The event itself and its purpose.
3. What outcomes are expected from the event?
Once you have established these at parameters to start your conversation from you simply approach the conversation like you
would the writing of a story. Apply who, what, where, when, how, and why questions to these three areas of focus. Use these
questions to get the conversation going, and then confidently introduce yourself, repeating people’s names out loud as you meet
them. Make sure to nod your head and make comments as people speak so they know you are interested and listening to what
they have to say.
It is amazing how many people skip these basic rules of engagement, then find themselves alone in a corner, and cannot figure
out why.
Employing these simple skills can bring you a long way in being more social at events. Once you have perfected these skills you
will find yourself becoming increasingly more confident in social situations, and enjoying these events more.
For Further Information:
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