How to Make Small Talk | The Distilled Man

Small talk can be awkward for many people, and often you might think "why bother?" with talking on such a surface level.

Yet, being able to have a basic conversation with someone you've never met can go a long way in helping you connect with other people—whether professionally or personally.

In this video, Kyle Ingham of The Distilled Man provides an in-depth tutorial on how to improve your small talk.

It covers:

Why small talk is an important skill

2 ways to make small talk work for you

The biggest mistake people make with small talk

The (not so) secret formula for starting a conversation with anyone

Original Distilled Man post:

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[Nunyabeeswax]

Talk to old people. Trust me, you want to practice your small talk skills you will gain the chance to learn from someone who isn't in a hurry and values conversation.

[skingthemystery]

when you get anxious about small talk from watching a video about how to small talk

[locuyennguyen]

In a world where ppl think they can make connections through tinder and express emotions with emojis, I applaud you for bringing back the art of human interaction! Great job.

[truelily]

I enjoy small talk. I find it comforting. This is especially the case when I am having a traumatic day or week. Just someone remarking, " This rain is really something" or " Aren't these nice looking apples", can distract me from the heavier issues in my life. If the whole world, as we know it, came to an end I think we would long for these types of exchanges between people.

[nobunagav]

Watching this video actually made me realize how irrational my fear of small talk was and that I'm actually totally competent. Big confidence boost. Thanks, a lot Kyle; keep up the great work.

[TheMrPeltz]

I don't know why this doesn't have more views. More people should watch this because it often happens to me that people just shut down the smalltalk with very simple answers instead of realizing that small talk is just a temporal state...

[p.]

Social interaction is so hard for me. I feel like it’s hard for me to be myself around strangers because I always want everyone to like me so I hold back to not rub anyone the wrong way with my personality.

[TheToneBender]

Doesn't work. I started talking to a girl in the park and she replied with "what chandelier are you talking about and who are the johnsons?"

[alexateders]

This guy just talked to himself for 13 minutes, I can't even talk to someone for 13 seconds

[aylam]

I'm not necessarily your target demographic, but I'm loving this channel. I like keeping these skills fresh and your delivery is humourous, without being over the top or insincere. Excited to see more

[ksujalpatel]

Can't believe this video is still adding value to my and numerous people life.
8 years ago, Thanks Kyle much helpful!

[anuka]

I subscribed, I was hesitant at first because this channels seems to be targeted to men, but the content is just so interesting and my socially awkward self needs this..

[francy]

And the old school conversation uses decent words & correct grammar. 🤗

[mrjakub-tndv]

I loved the video and learned a lot. I disagree that life would be more awkward without small talk, though. This is based on a premise that we need to be constantly talking about something, and build rapport with everybody we meet. If we spent our time doing something productive rather than talking about meaningless stuff with people we are not meant to connect with, the world would be much better place.

[johanncross]

Here in Brazil we call small talk "Conversa Fiada"
hahah yes. I was not expecting to be convinced that small talk is actually this useful
thanks

[IWantToStayAtYourHouse]

Sufficient Eye contact is the most valuable asset to building rapport, in combination with small talk.

Btw last time I tried to small talk the other person would just shrug me off. Made me scared of small talks but watching this video gave me a confidence boost. Thanks :D

[LB-kury]

Thank you. I just found your channel, and I’m loving it.

[kayingthao]

Thanks so much! I start a new job soon and making new connections is making me nervous but your video is so helpful.

[Thedistilledman]

Making small talk can sometimes be awkward. In this video, learn how to master small talk and feel confident talking to anyone. #conversationskills  #smalltalk

[SirPeteWindsor]

The free information is also called key words that may /should be used to make the conversation going on. Never, but never ask closed questions (yes or no), and regarding to the body language, try to smile (a real one: mouth and eyes), and the illustrators (hands: palms up - this makes the other person feel that you won't go harm her/him).

Subtle things make all the difference.