How to make How to make small talksmall talk

The presentationThe presentation is made is made

by Galina Galkina , by Galina Galkina ,

engineer of the Civil engineer of the Civil DepartmentDepartment

TutorTutor: : Krivotulova Krivotulova

ElenaElena Mikhailovna Mikhailovna

Small talk is a casual form of conversation that “breaks the ice” or fills an awkward silence between people.

Who?Who? What?What? Where?Where? When?When? Why?Why?

WHO makes small talk?WHO makes small talk?

People with many different relationshipsPeople with many different relationships who do not know each other at allwho do not know each other at all people who are only acquaintancespeople who are only acquaintances

-“friend of a friend”-“friend of a friend” Office employees who may not be good Office employees who may not be good

friends but work in the same departmentfriends but work in the same department

WHAT do people make small talk WHAT do people make small talk about?about?

TheThe weather weather The foodThe food CCurrent eventsurrent events The newsThe news, s, sports newsports news, ,

entertainment newsentertainment news Likes and dislikes Likes and dislikes Family affairsFamily affairs Country matters Country matters Showing interest Showing interest Back to businessBack to business

Forbidden topics• personal information as

salaries or a recent divorce

• something (good or bad) about a person’s body

• Negative comments • Private issues • Religion or politics

WHERE do people make small WHERE do people make small talk?talk?

At the officeAt the office At a social eventAt a social event Out for a walkOut for a walk Waiting somewhereWaiting somewhere

WHEN do people make small WHEN do people make small talk?talk?

first time you see or first time you see or meet someone on a meet someone on a given daygiven day

during a break induring a break in

a meeting or presentation a meeting or presentation when there is nothing when there is nothing importantimportant

WHY do people make small talk?WHY do people make small talk?

to break an uncomfortable silence.to break an uncomfortable silence. simply to fill timesimply to fill time in order to be politein order to be polite

Small Talk Is for Small Minds. Think

About it.

Talk Deeply, Be Happy?

The Fine Art of Small TalkThe Fine Art of Small Talk Engage anyone in conversation with poise and confidence Engage anyone in conversation with poise and confidence Revive a dying conversationRevive a dying conversation Come across as composed and self-assured when talking to Come across as composed and self-assured when talking to

people or entertaining clients at conventions, trade shows, and people or entertaining clients at conventions, trade shows, and other work related functionsother work related functions

Become an "active" listenerBecome an "active" listener Overcome communication barriersOvercome communication barriers Handle awkward situationsHandle awkward situations Come up with topics to discussCome up with topics to discuss Avoid conversation "killers"Avoid conversation "killers" Develop business friendshipsDevelop business friendships Prepare for successful conversationPrepare for successful conversation Remember names and use them properlyRemember names and use them properly Exit conversations with tactExit conversations with tact, , with gracewith grace Feel more at ease at parties, banquets, receptions, and networking Feel more at ease at parties, banquets, receptions, and networking

events events

"A mixture "A mixture of stand-up of stand-up comic, comic, therapist therapist and and teacher."teacher."

« Every conversation is an opportunity for success »

Debra Fine