If you are somewhat of an introvert you probably detest the idea of making small talk. But try as hard as you may it is not always possible to avoid small talk.

If truth be told, small talk often goes beyond the trivial chit-chat about weather and paves way for more meaningful discussions among individuals or a social group.

It has been and will always remain an important part of social interaction. However as an introvert it’s a different story, small talk turns into awkward silences in no time.

As per a research small talk actually makes humans happy. This casual talk helps in building relationships and is the secret sauce behind networking.

So if as an introvert you suck at small talk perhaps you could use some of these tips here.

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Small Talk Tips Introverts Could Use

What is Small Talk?

The definition of small talk depends on the situation.

It may be used as a conversation filler to counter awkward silences between strangers, it could be an informal chat with your colleagues around the office corner, and it can be a conversation starter during social events and networking.

So you could say, small talk or the nature of it depends on the social environment you are in.

What is the aim of small talk?

What small talk does is it provides you with a window of opportunity to begin a conversation with another person.

After you begin this informal conversation you wait for the other person to respond or see whether they are interested in carrying on this conversation.

Usually it doesn’t take long for anyone to understand if the other person is eager to warm up to you.

Simple Small Talk Tips for Introverts

The real problem with being an introvert is not the conservation itself it’s that barrier of awkwardness when meeting new people and how to actually start a conversation.

Most of wonder with questions like “what should I say”, “where do I even begin”, and so on.

Most introverts find the idea of initiating a conversation stressful, but they usually make really good in-depth observations if they are really interested in a discussion.

Be Open-Minded about a Conversation

One of the reasons why introverts dislike small talk is due to the fact that it is often trivial conversation like for example a general observation about weather, whereas most introverts really like to dig deep into discussions.

So if you would like to brush up on your conversation skills you have to keep an open-mind about any sort of conversation, even that trivial weather talk.

View every small talk as an opportunity to learn something new and build new relationships.

Think of it as a chance to meet new people. Who knows one new person you meet today may ending being your best friend down the line.

Learn The Art of Listening

Most people love to speak about themselves and would love to have a person who is interested in what they say.

Suppose you are visiting someone’s home pay a nice compliment about it or you can speak about the furniture, a particular piece of home-décor.

Your host will be flattered and will probably have a nice backstory about the object of your attention.

This will also put less pressure on you to carry on the conversation, and you can attentively listen to that person and provide your insights wherever required.

Through this you are putting all limelight on the other person while being an excellent listener.

Gradually you will gain a common ground or discover similar tastes to carry the conversation.

But contrary to popular belief, introverts aren’t very keen listeners as their thoughts keep on shifting their focus consistently from a conversation.

To be fair in general most humans are bad listeners since most of us need instant gratification, in form of social media validation or having a dose of junk food or by other means.

This has reduced our attentions span to less than 8 seconds, which means most of us can’t concentrate on anything for more than 8 seconds, without having the need to turn our attention to a second thing like checking our phone.

Active Listening Tips for Introverts

Here are some ways you can listen better as an introvert or for that matter any other personality types.

Book Recommendation For Active Listening

If you need more tips on active listening I’d recommend the book ‘You Are Not Listening’ by Kate Murphy.

The author touches upon the various aspects of human interactions, including listening, which can be turned into an important skill-set.

Break the Ice and Initiate a Conversation

Introverts find it difficult to begin a conversation. Being the first speaker in an unknown group is uncomfortable for them.

Similarly speaking to new people is hard for them.

Most introverts are really good observers rather than talkers.

They don’t necessarily dislike social situations or mingling with people, they just don’t know how to break the ice.

So in such situations especially if you have a networking event and you have to introduce yourself to an unknown group or a person, just calm down yourself by taking some slow deep breaths.

You can just observe the group or that person for some seconds before approaching.

When you ready just say your name, the organization you are from or where you are from and then wait for the other party to respond.

It takes a few minutes to understand whether the other person is keen on continuing the conversation. But whatever the case give yourself credit for breaking the ice.

Recommended Books for Introverts to Speak Better

There’s Debra Fine’s “The Fine Art of Small Talk” which I cannot recommend enough for my introverted friends to hone up their conversation skills.

Debra stresses on the necessity of small talk as an important life skill.  

She also mentions another very interesting thing that how small talk can lead to new opportunities you never would imagined; and it was possible now because you took time to listen to someone.

Seek Opportunities to Speak as an Introvert

To become a pro at small talk or being a good conversationalist requires practice and more so when making small talk has never been your specialty.

The more you speak with people you hardly know the easier it will be for you to come out of your comfort zone.

Make efforts to talk to colleagues, with your co-passengers when using public transport, with customers when you are standing in a coffee queue and so on.

Find opportunities to talk to unknown people.

Interesting Topics Introverts Can Speak About

When you meet someone new you practically know nothing about that person. So it’s best if you stick to some topics that most people love to talk about. Some of these topics are:

In addition, you can also ask open-ended questions which help in building up an interesting conversation. So simple questions which can be answered with ‘yes’ or ‘no’ can be followed with open-ended ones like “ hey have you seen that TV show” followed by “what do you think about it” or “have you read that book “what is your opinion on that” and so on.

Some More Small Talk tips for Introverts

1.Refrain from asking personal question that might make the other person uncomfortable.

2. Keep your body language relaxed during a conversation and also make the other person comfortable.

3. When you are asking questions don’t be too pushy or aggressive.

4. Give the other person full attention when they are speaking which means no scrolling through mobile phones. Not only it is disrespectful to the speaker it shows your disinterest in the conversation.

5. When you are introducing yourself to someone you can and probably should always start with a smile. The good thing about smiling is it is so positive. A smile followed by a gentle ‘Hi’ is the best conversation starter.

6. Don’t get disheartened or quick to judge someone if that person hasn’t warmed up to you as you hoped he would. Probably that person is also awkward and introvert like you are. Give yourself full marks for at least trying.

Final Thoughts

If you are an introvert like me I really hope you found these tips useful and practical enough. Would love to know your thoughts and suggestions on this one! Do share any additional tips, if any.

If you have read till here, a big virtual hug, I am sure you’ll will enjoy reading these similar articles as well.

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