Are you happy sending a text message to your new neighbour to say ‘hi’, even when your parents insist that you should talk to him or her by walking across the street to greet and say hello in person?
If you are reluctant to go because you do not know what to say, you probably need help with small talk. Believe me, small talk is not another word for gossip; it is a short conversation to build a rapport with another. It is the first step to making a friend and giving the other person the impression that you are friendly and approachable. Before refusing to hop across the street, read on and see whether these tips can put you at ease and make you expand your network of friends. For all you know – you could be popular by next month!
Smile and look friendly (it encourages the other person to interact)
Be respectful and use appropriate language (being polite makes you win hearts)
Maintain eye contact (others start trusting you)
Have a few easy topics at hand (hobbies, weather, school, sports, music or something new you had heard about) to break awkward silences and get you going. For instance, you could say ‘So did you watch that new movie? I am planning on streaming it on Netflix this weekend’ or you could start off with something like ‘A few of us ride bicycles on this road in the evening, we can share my bike if you would like to join us’.
End with expectations to meet again (see you tomorrow, I will lend you that book, I am sure you will enjoy it)
In short, try to find something that is of interest to both parties in that ‘small chat’ and make the other person want to have another conversation with you. If you have questions or need help to make small talk, write to us at fullofetiquette@gmail.com.
Compiled by Shyamalie Jayasekera for fullofetiquette.com
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