For some, small talk is as natural as breathing. For others, it’s a bit more difficult. Your mouth doesn’t seem to want to make the right sounds, and you can never think of anything to fill the awkward silence with.
However, this underrated skill is an important one to master when you’re looking to make new friends or expand your network. Your time at university offers you a host of opportunities (and people) to practice honing this life-long ability.
Why not use some of these suggestions to help you get started on your journey to being a social butterfly in university?
What is Small Talk?
Put simply, small talk is a casual conversation about everyday topics. Small talk is usually exchanged by two people who don’t know each other well, whether they’re attempting to make friends or just waiting in line to get a coffee. It doesn’t have to be too complicated. You can start off by making a comment about the weather. If they’re standing next to you, chances are they’re experiencing the same weather as you are – and it’s an easy one to start with.
How to Make Small Talk?
Small talk is only difficult if you make it difficult.
If you want to get to know someone, ask the other person questions that can’t be answered with a simple yes or no. This will make the other person open up more, and they are probably more likely to remember you. Make sure to listen to the other person; it isn’t a conversation if you’re the one doing all of the talking.
Giving the other person your full attention will definitely make an impact on them, and it shows that you’re interested in them. These exchanges may not be full of life-altering information, but they are foundational building blocks for new relationships.
Practice Makes Perfect
As with anything, small talk is a skill that you’ll need to practice. You can’t expect to be outstanding at something you’ve never tried before, and making friends is no different. You won’t get it right the first time, and maybe not the second or third time either. But if you keep practising, you’ll find that talking to strangers is just as easy as talking to your friends.
Making small talk with strangers may seem daunting, but it won’t kill you unless you try to befriend a serial killer. With enough practice and (faked) confidence, you’ll be making new friends and expanding your university network in no time.