The Fine Art of Small Talk: How to Start a Conversation, Keep It Going, Build Networking Skills -- and Leave a Positive Impression!

Behavior. If you are observant, you’ll get a lot of free information from people’s behavior. The way they speak and write can offer you small talk starters. Notice if they are left-handed. You can inquire, Is it challenging being left-handed? What pet peeves do you have about it? Does the person have an accent? If so, you might say, I thought

Connectors • You look totally at ease. I wish I could feel the same way you do. • That’s a great outfit (pair of shoes, bracelet, necktie). I love fashion (good taste, jewelry). • I almost stayed home to read a book instead of coming here. • I’d rather be watching basketball, but this is fun, too. • I’ve never attended one of these events before. W

Careful what you say.

Extend your hand, make eye contact, and smile saying, “Hello. My name is Deb Fine. It’s nice to meet you.

The approachable person is the one who makes eye contact with you or who is not actively engaged in a conversation or another activity such as reading a newspaper or working at a computer. It’s the solitary person getting a bite to eat, someone sitting alone at a table, or the one crossing the room unescorted. More often than not, these people are

Use the person’s name in conversation. You are more likely to get special treatment by using the person’s name.

Sources of free information include: Answers to open-ended questions. When you invite someone to tell you about his family or her job, you will receive additional free information that you can use to further the conversation.

Jumping in with unsolicited advice happens annoyingly often. Instead of advice, give understanding with simple phrases like I know you can work out a solution or I hope the job hunt goes well for you. Offer advice only when you are specifically asked for it.

1. What do you think of the movie/restaurant/party? 2. Tell me about the best vacation you’ve ever taken. 3. What’s your favorite thing to do on a rainy day? 4. If you could…
   
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