How to Small Talk in the Professional World
As it turns out, it’s actually important to make small talk in the professional world. Your ability to make small talk can form interactions and connections with colleagues and help you develop relationships better. For example, one day you accidentally bump into one of your coworkers in the office lobby. Greeting that coworker and making small talk is a good choice. To anticipate mistakes, we will share 5 tricks you can do so that small talk in the office isn’t uncomfortable.
Ask open questions
When you meet a coworker and start a conversation, don’t ask questions that have only “yes” or “no” answers. You can try asking questions about what they are up to, how is their family, or other things that attract the other person to explain in great detail. However, if you run out of topics to talk about, you could try to guide the other person to be the one to ask questions.
Stay up to date with information in the office
If you read, watch, and hear a variety of news topics, then you can be perceived as intelligent by other people because of the insight that you possess. Small talk becomes a contentious discussion. You are able to follow the topic of the conversation according to the interests or position of the other person. However there are limits, topics such as politics, religion, and sexuality should be approached carefully.
Avoid talking negatively about others
Maybe you want to start making small talk, but you’re confused about what topic you want to talk about. Avoid talking negatively, especially talking negatively about other people. This will certainly affect how others value you. You may think that the other person will agree with what you have to say, but then it could also backfire on yourself. Might as well avoid it before that happens.
Tell jokes accordingly
For those of you who are humorous, inserting a funny joke when making small talk can be a good choice. This can prevent awkward situations between you and your coworkers. Be sure to adjust the joke based on your interlocutors. There’s no way that the joke you tell when making small talk with your coworkers is the same when talking to your boss, right?
Don’t forget to listen
Are you the type of person who likes to talk? When making small talk in the office, don’t forget to be a listener too. Try to stop yourself from commenting on everything. Talking too much and not being a good listener may negatively impact how people will see you. In efforts to improve your connections and relationship, you should not make others feel uncomfortable with your presence.
These five tricks can help you if you find yourself in a situation that requires you to make small talk. In the professional world, small talk is important. However, don’t let your efforts become negative or meaningless.
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