Struggle To Make Small Talk?
-
Upload
gretchen-rubin -
Category
Lifestyle
-
view
10.794 -
download
0
description
Transcript of Struggle To Make Small Talk?
![Page 1: Struggle To Make Small Talk?](https://reader033.fdocuments.in/reader033/viewer/2022052601/559442051a28ab06308b4599/html5/thumbnails/1.jpg)
Struggle To Make Small Talk?
![Page 2: Struggle To Make Small Talk?](https://reader033.fdocuments.in/reader033/viewer/2022052601/559442051a28ab06308b4599/html5/thumbnails/2.jpg)
Small talk can be a big problem. I want to be friendly and polite, but I just can’t think of a thing to say.
Here are some strategies I try when my mind is a blank:
![Page 3: Struggle To Make Small Talk?](https://reader033.fdocuments.in/reader033/viewer/2022052601/559442051a28ab06308b4599/html5/thumbnails/3.jpg)
1. Comment on a topic
common to both of you
at the moment:
the food
the room
the occasion
the weather(yes, talking about the
weather is a cliche, but it works)
![Page 4: Struggle To Make Small Talk?](https://reader033.fdocuments.in/reader033/viewer/2022052601/559442051a28ab06308b4599/html5/thumbnails/4.jpg)
2. Comment on a topic of general interest.A friend scans Google News right before he goes anywhere
where he needs to make small talk.
![Page 5: Struggle To Make Small Talk?](https://reader033.fdocuments.in/reader033/viewer/2022052601/559442051a28ab06308b4599/html5/thumbnails/5.jpg)
3. Ask a question that people cananswer as they please.
It’s useful because itallows people to choose
their focus (work, volunteer, family, hobby).
![Page 6: Struggle To Make Small Talk?](https://reader033.fdocuments.in/reader033/viewer/2022052601/559442051a28ab06308b4599/html5/thumbnails/6.jpg)
4. Ask open questionsthat can’t be answered
with a single word.
![Page 7: Struggle To Make Small Talk?](https://reader033.fdocuments.in/reader033/viewer/2022052601/559442051a28ab06308b4599/html5/thumbnails/7.jpg)
5. If you do ask a question that can be answered in a single word, instead of just supplying your
own information in response,ask a follow-up question.
![Page 8: Struggle To Make Small Talk?](https://reader033.fdocuments.in/reader033/viewer/2022052601/559442051a28ab06308b4599/html5/thumbnails/8.jpg)
6. Ask getting-to-know-you questions.These questions often reveal a hidden passion,
which can make for great conversation.
![Page 9: Struggle To Make Small Talk?](https://reader033.fdocuments.in/reader033/viewer/2022052601/559442051a28ab06308b4599/html5/thumbnails/9.jpg)
7. React to what a person says in the spirit inwhich that comment was offered. If he makes a joke, even if it’s not very funny, try to laugh. If she offers some surprising information, react with surprise.
![Page 10: Struggle To Make Small Talk?](https://reader033.fdocuments.in/reader033/viewer/2022052601/559442051a28ab06308b4599/html5/thumbnails/10.jpg)
8. Be slightly inappropriate.(I can’t use this strategy, myself, because
I don’t have the necessary gumption).
![Page 11: Struggle To Make Small Talk?](https://reader033.fdocuments.in/reader033/viewer/2022052601/559442051a28ab06308b4599/html5/thumbnails/11.jpg)
9. Follow someone’s conversational lead.If someone obviously drops in a reference to
a subject, pick up on that thread.
![Page 12: Struggle To Make Small Talk?](https://reader033.fdocuments.in/reader033/viewer/2022052601/559442051a28ab06308b4599/html5/thumbnails/12.jpg)
10. Along the same lines, counter-intuitively,
don’t try to talk aboutyour favorite topic,
because you’ll be temptedto talk too much.
Blah!
Blah!
Blah!
![Page 13: Struggle To Make Small Talk?](https://reader033.fdocuments.in/reader033/viewer/2022052601/559442051a28ab06308b4599/html5/thumbnails/13.jpg)
Download My FreeHabits Manifesto
Learn more tips for a happier life and healthier habits at GretchenRubin.com
SIGN UP HERE