How often do you find yourself lost for words during the business dinner? Or were you ever confused by the question about the weather from your client? For many of our fellows, the idea of small talk seems intimidating and challenging. However, in English-speaking business environments, small talk plays a significant role in building trust and affinity. Mastering this skill can lead to stronger professional relationships and smoother interactions.
Why Small Talk Matters
In English-speaking cultures, small talk acts as a social glue, creating a sense of familiarity before diving into serious discussions. It shows genuine interest in the other person and helps establish a positive tone for the conversation.
Common Topics for Small Talk
– Weather: A universal topic and a safe starting point. For example, “It’s a beautiful day, isn’t it?”
– Travel: Asking about someone’s recent or upcoming trips. Example: “Did you travel far to get here?”
– Hobbies: Showing interest in personal interests can create a deeper connection. Example: “I heard you’re a tennis fan—do you play often?”
Small Talk Tips for Professionals
– Prepare Key Phrases: Practice simple starters like “How was your weekend?” or “What’s keeping you busy these days?”
– Listen Actively: Small talk isn’t just about speaking; it’s about showing interest. Use phrases like “That sounds interesting!” or “Tell me more about that.”
– Avoid Overthinking: Small talk doesn’t have to be profound. A few sentences to show warmth and friendliness are enough.
Overcoming the Fear of Mistakes
It’s natural to worry about saying the wrong thing, especially in a second language. Remember, small talk is informal and forgiving. The effort you make to engage will be appreciated far more than perfect grammar.
At Veritas we discuss a wide range of topics with our fellows that can be helpful to practice the skill of ‘small talk’ and create a deep and meaningful discussions. From simple topics such as “your favorite drink” to a big social issues of “retirement age” and “your country global competitiveness” these discussions will help you turn small talk into a big opportunity!
Veritas Coach
Mariia Kovalchuk
Born and raised in a small city of Russia Mariia had bigger dreams of living and working abroad. She knew that English language will open the doors of opportunities so she put a lot of effort into learning the language and soon was admitted into Korea University in Seoul. There she chose to pursue the bachelor of Business Administration conducted in English while also learning Korean language. After graduation Mariia was brought to Japan for an internship where she discovered Veritas. The mission of Veritas to help broaden life opportunities with English language spoke directly to Mariia’s experiences and believes. Here she hopes to inspire and motivate the student as well as her colleagues to not be afraid of the change and live life to the fullest.
