Learning small talk: how to start a conversation easily

Learning small talk is an art, as classic questions like "So, what do you do?" show. - not bad, but not particularly imaginative either. There are icebreakers that work even better if you garnish them with self-confidence and a winning smile. We'll tell you how you can practise small talk so that you can easily strike up a conversation with someone next time.

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via Yvonne.voelker
08/10/2016, 15:35
Mann und Frau führen Smalltalk bei einer Party© iStock
Learning small talk: how to score points with your conversation partner

Learning small talk: verbal ping-pong without rigid rules

Good small talk is like a game of ping-pong. Pay attention to what your conversation partner says - and above all how. After all, it's not just the small talk topics that are important, the gestures and facial expressions of your counterpart also play a role. This provides you with the opportunity to interject, ask questions or expand on topics. The best conversation starter is useless if you don't stay on the ball afterwards. This is one of the basic skills when you start learning small talk.

Small talk topics: You can always score points with these

Movies, weather, sports, culture, vacations, common work areas, events and the place you are currently in - all topics for nice chats. It's good if you can tell a personal, amusing and short story. But always keep it superficial, don't do any soul-searching and postpone discussions about politics, crises and religion for the time being. These topics can quickly lead you up the garden path when you're making small talk.

Learn small talk: change partners after five minutes

Small talk is a short conversation. That's why the five-minute rule applies here. It also makes sense, because you want to get to know other interesting people. End the conversation politely and confidently: "It was a pleasure to meet you. Have a nice evening."

10 icebreakers to start small talk

It'snot that difficultto have a nice little chat .And it's even easier with these starters:

  • "What are you drinking? That looks really tasty."
  • "I still can't believe how quickly time flies. The year just flew by. Have you experienced anything exciting yet?"
  • "The weather makes you want to go away. Have you been on vacation this year?"
  • "Great song. Do you know who sings it?"
  • "It's amazing how many people are here. How do you know our host?"
  • "Nice shoes, I've been looking forthem fora long time. Where didyou find them?"
  • "Are you a native of the area or have you moved here?"
  • "You're so radiant, did you have a great day?"
  • "You must be watching 'How I Met Your Mother'. Who can you laugh at the most?"