Lifestyle / Learning The Art of Small Talk At Work

Learning The Art of Small Talk At Work

Lifestyle Oct 09, 2014

by Anokhi Admin

Networking Can Be Difficult Especially When It Comes To Forging A Work Connection, But There Is An Art To It, And It Can Be Mastered

Hank Hunes, owner of Small Talk Vineyards Owner, says, “Small talk is an art. It isn’t a skill that people are born with, but it can be mastered. Small talk is the starting point of all relationships and whether you are at a friend’s wine tasting party or a networking event it is an important starting point for everyone.”

Here are some useful tips to help you navigate through any conversation at work successfully:

Avoid Any Controversial Topic

When you meet strangers, you have an opportunity to create your first impression- which sometimes can be your last impression. As a result, the way you present yourself, talk and communicate; you're hand gestures, and the topics you choose as icebreakers, are significant in generating productive small talk.

So first things first, simply stay away from topics that can cause your acquaintance to raise their eyebrows. Don Gabor, author of Talking with Confidence For the Painfully Shy, suggests topics you should avoid, “Personal, health and financial problems, divorce and death, layoffs, world problems such as terrorism and crime, emotionally charged issues such as abortion, capital punishment, welfare, and sex, politics, and religion.”

These topics will generate an uncomfortable atmosphere and lead to the end of a conversation, or potential future business deal.

Try To Remember Names

Remembering names will help in securing great work connections. Do not be afraid to politely reaffirm your client's or new co-workers name during the conversation.

Many times, people will carry their name cards with them. Etiquette guru Peggy Post tells Real Simple, “Don’t panic, and don't feel awful. Just say, ‘I can’t believe it. I’ve just drawn a blank.’”

Be Proactive And Feel Free To Introduce Yourself

Networking is truly an art, and being proactive is the key to success. During a social gathering, do not hesitate to be the first one to reach out to others; make them feel welcomed, comfortable, and engaged.

Gabor recommends beginning conversations with open-ended questions such as, “How do you know our hosts?” Or, “What do you think of this spectacular view?” By starting conversations with simple topics it will be easier to have successful small talk that could lead to bigger and better working connections. Make sure you maintain strong eye contact, to show your confidence!

How do you handle small talk in a working environment? Leave a comment below.

_{FEATURED IMAGE: incedogroup}

COMMENTS

Tools To Throw The Perfect Ice Cream Party

Create Your Own JAAN Recipe For A Chance To Win $200!

Back To School Essentials

Tarot Reading: September 2014

How To Thrive During Times Of Ambiguity

Get To Know Your Grains

Frugal Home DIY Creations

Hotspot: Fiji's Poseidon Undersea Resort

5 Nutrients Your Body Needs

Comic Con India And Reed Exhibitions Enter Joint Venture

Exercises For Women Who Wear Heels

South Asian Communities Under Suspicion And Attack

Why Carbs Should Be A Part Of Your Diet

Popular Free Online Dating Apps

Steps To Build A Healthy Brain

Morning Weight Loss Practices

HCG Diet: Is it Safe?

Unusual Places To Take A Luxury Vacation

Choosing The Right Contraception For You

Hot Spot: Andaz Hotel West Hollywood

Fall Trends For Ultimate Cabinetry

Tips To Improve Your Relationship With Your Mother-In-Law

Sugar Is The New Tobacco

How Not To Be An Overprotective Parent.

Post-Work Out Mistakes To Avoid

Ways To Make Your Relationship Better Now

Tarot Reading: October 2014

Essential Silicon Kitchen Gadgets

Inside the Male Brain when Dating

Asian Games: India Wins 11 Gold Medals

Get The Grand Spa Experience

Learning How To Be Thankful

Learn To Say No

10 Tips To Avoid Diet Disasters During Thanksgiving

Make A Perfect First Impression On A Date

Is The World's Best Medicine In Your Life?

Malala Yousafazi & Indian Activist Kailash Satyarthi Win Nobel Peace Prize

How To Stay Fit On Vacation

End Pain The Natural Way

Danger Of Energy Drinks

Celebrate DiwaliFest 2014 - Dance, Delight, Dhamaka Style

Two Grain Free Recipes You Need To Try

Pregnancy Myths Busted

Gain The Courage Not To Care

Diwali Celebrations Around the World

Soldier Killed, Gunman Dead: Terrorism In Canada

Tarot Reading: November 2014

Canada Dry DiwaliFest on NOW!

Dealing With Financial Abuse In Marriage?

A Bollywood Affair By Shonali Dev

Designer Inspired Cocktails

Brands Creating Awareness For Breast Cancer Month

Ways to Get Out of Work Early

Bedroom Ideas For Kids & Tweens

Discovery Explores India's Living Traditions

Fall Time Cocktails

Benefits Of Music

Expensive Homes Around The World

The Singh Project Exhibition: Celebrating The Turban & The Beard

Prepping Plants For Winter

Career Vs Home: Tips To Achieve Balance

How To Drive Safely In The Snow

Improve Gratification In Your Life