How to Use Small Talk to Start Effective Communication

Communication is the special art of talking with others. Being able to openly begin a conversation with another person or group of people is very rewarding experience to endure. Developing small talk and simple chats are a clever way to express your personality and sense of humor.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Be humble in sharing your talents and weaknesses and this will show people that you are just a person like they are. Do not be afraid to show vulnerability in yourself but do not overshare. Just be confident about yourself when sharing your weaknesses.

2. Do not force the conversation, as it will make you appear as desperate or trying too hard. Just be yourself and relax.

3. To make a good impression on others it is important to dress appropriately and be well-groomed. Look presentable and wear decent clothes that reflect your personality to a certain extent.

4. Be easygoing and casual in the first few minutes of chatting. Keep the conversation light and simple.

5. Avoid negativity and keep the jokes light and simple. Laughter is another important factor but keep it to a minimum. It's also important to be natural.

6. Telling a relevant story is another way to open up communication, but keep it short. Skip out the background details and relate just tell enough of the event to get the point across.  A long-winded story will quickly lose your audience's attention. A good way to start with a story is to lead into it by a question or comment, such as "I remember a time when...."

7. Allow others to speak as well and know when to stop talking. One of the goals of small talk is for the other person to talk, too.

8. Listen to others while they are speaking and ask them questions. This will show that you are interested in what they have to say. Ask open ended questions so that others are able to open up and share their own experiences. Ask them follow-up questions to keep the conversation going.

9. Listen to what they are really saying beneath the words. It is important to use your interpersonal skills to learn as much as you can about the person. Are they speaking really fast? They might be nervous.

10. Don't rush through the conversation or be quick to change subjects.  Allow the conversation to progress and if it stalls, then change the subject.

[happysnowshoer2]

on 9/19/2008 nice article