Never Struggle with Small Talk Again | Easy Tips for Better Conversations

Small talk can be so awkward.

You’re trying to fill the silence, but the conversation just isn’t clicking. What do you do?

In this episode, I’m sharing 3 ways to make small talk feel natural, engaging, and even enjoyable. You’ll learn how to ask better questions, keep the conversation flowing, and avoid the awkward silence trap.

These tips will help you turn any small talk moment—whether at a party, in line at the grocery store, or before a meeting—into a real connection.

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[nellielevesque]

How can I get your book. I have learned some really good tips from you and know 14:22 I can learn more by reading what you have to say. Nellie from Mesa Az.

[billpardonner]

I saw this in a meme 😂: "I hate when people ask me if I did anything exciting over the weekend. Like I'm over here skydiving or something. Bro I'm in my 40s, I went to Target, did some laundry, ate way too much and took multiple naps. I feel seen... and attacked at the same time"

[amiraratkovic]

People talk a lot but say nothing at all.- I do love this sentence.😂

[julesonfoot]

I was at a friends work Christmas party and didn’t know anyone. One of the guys started talking to me and said, “what kinds of projects are you working on right now?”. I LOVED this question! It opens up to answer with so many cool things instead of asking what I do for work. I’ve used it ever since, maybe you can too. Cheers!

[june-uni]

I used to work in an operating theatre and we used to ask “if you weren’t here today, what would you be doing?” It also gives the option of the person making up a fantasy day. You learn so much about someone.

[Sorilia]

I was hugging the wall at a function and someone came up and said. I don’t know about you, but I never know what to say at these things. We ended up talking until the first event was announced. Maybe if you’re nervous you can find someone who looks as scared as you are.

[Time.for.tea.]

I hate small talk sooo much. When someone asks me about my family or my weekend or anything about myself, it’s torture bc I’m a private person and don’t like to talk about myself. I’m friendly but vague and quickly flip the conversation to make them do the talking. Contrary to popular belief, not everyone likes to talk about themselves. ✋

Sometimes I look around the room and try to scope out the ppl who love to talk about themselves and who look like they’re dominating the conversation they’re in and I head for those ppl. They come in very handy for ppl like me.

I wld be very content and happy just watching the party from the table way over there.

Btw, I work in a very large school and am around hundreds of kids and staff every day and have no problem talking when there’s a mission to accomplish. When I’m at student graduation parties or staff parties, it’s a whole different thing. It’s the small talk that gets me.

[Fred_Free]

Small talk with strangers: Never ask about what someone did over the weekend, what's exciting in someone’s life or similar. It’s intrusive and annoying. Instead, ask about their perspective on things outside their personal or private zone, or just tell them something entertaining about an event you’ve been through, it can open them up to tell something about themselves.

[nischakelley]

I like that you ALWAYS give relatable examples!

[alliejessgirl]

I’m a medical receptionist in a small Montana town and I absolutely love small talk😊 I’m definitely going to incorporate these tips to strengthen relationships with my patients ✨⛄️ Thank you ❣️

[ShazWag]

I used such open questions when teaching adults to speak English as a second language. They really helped them to practise speaking and think about the correct tense, rather than requiring yes/no or "it was okay" answers. They also prompted others in the groups to ask what, when, why, how, etc ....

[Anikanoteven]

The weather is the perfect ice-breaker. It’s not novel, everyone knows it’s trite. But I’ve found weather to be, as you point out, one of the most universal unite-rs out there. Yes, you can always use it as a jumping off point. I don’t always make small talk, but when I have started conversation with strangers or neighbours or at functions, I have often found out valuable information or made some fun connections. Small talk is truly an art.

[actsbeliever]

Has anyone noticed how some people just ask a close-ended type of question, probably to be courteous, but they really don’t want to know the answer. They have a tendency to not even hear or respond to the answer. For example, it is common for people to say, “How are you?” Then when the individual answers, the person who asked already moved on to a different subject.
I love these ideas that encourage an actual engagement in a conversation.

[LizzyL]

Asking what I am doing this weekend is great, open ended. “What’s excites you” sounds like an interview question, or at least scripted. Love the rest of the ideas!!

[rebeccataft]

I love this because I'm tired of the " hi how are you" " good, how are you?" " good" thing" everytime i see someone I know, now I know what to say and make the conversation go further !

[shirleyharris]

I tend to avoid people and conversation due to feeling self- conscious and unsure of how. I
have learned so much from your podcasts from the comfort of my own home. Thankyou so much truly!!

[MaryellenS.]

I’m so happy you’ve extended your shorts to a podcast, and now a book! I have subscribed and will order your book.

[laurie-jeannelister]

Thank you thank you thank you for reminding us it is okay not to engage in uncomfortable small talk if that is not in our personality. Trying to be someone you aren't is exhausting and never fruitful.

[franklehane]

My breakthrough came when I ceased relying on or hoping the other person might enliven or make a conversation engaging. Artful use of conversation often, if not always, begins with the open-ended question. Presence of mind in avoiding telling or stating MY opinions, ideas, perceptions of a thing, etc. to others is so precious! Others are way more focused on THEIR opinions, ideas, aspirations, etc.

[susannax]

Welcome to Finland! No need for small talk. Just sit down and enjoy silence! :D