This was such a good read for my first 'Nedra Nuggets'. I thoroughly enjoyed every section and could not stop falling down the so-called link rabbit-hole of everything you shared. Thank you so much for sharing!
My 'small talk' topics are determined by the setting I'm in, who the other person is, and what we (might) have in common: "I LOVE your teeshirt and I'm involved in animal rescue, too!"
Or, if there's a child involved I often open the conversation with them: "You're a great helper for your mom...I wish my helper was here!"
Looking for cues about something to connect with can break the ice and get the conversation started.
Thank you Nedra for giving light and life to small talk. I especially like how you suggest to start small and build like a crescendo to deeper more meaningful conversations. I also appreciate the timing tip which in and of itself is a protective boundary as one may not always want to engage in small talk.
The Intelligent Conversationalist by Imogen Lloyd Webber is another resource that provides cheat sheets on a myriad of topics to cultivate conversation.
I struggle to ask questions because I'm afraid of getting too personal and seeming like I'm prying. Plus I genuinely enjoy observing the world around me in quiet. I do like talking about the weather, and my go-to questions for new people are "what are some of your favorite..." vacations, passtimes, colors, seasons, holidays, animals, etc.
I have found that having a short list of questions for small talk helps. My learning has discovered that I enjoy asking questions and letting the other person speak. I listen, contribute, but the weight is not in me to carry the conversation. Asking questions also teaches me to learn how to listen.
This was such a good read for my first 'Nedra Nuggets'. I thoroughly enjoyed every section and could not stop falling down the so-called link rabbit-hole of everything you shared. Thank you so much for sharing!
My 'small talk' topics are determined by the setting I'm in, who the other person is, and what we (might) have in common: "I LOVE your teeshirt and I'm involved in animal rescue, too!"
Or, if there's a child involved I often open the conversation with them: "You're a great helper for your mom...I wish my helper was here!"
Looking for cues about something to connect with can break the ice and get the conversation started.
Thank you Nedra for giving light and life to small talk. I especially like how you suggest to start small and build like a crescendo to deeper more meaningful conversations. I also appreciate the timing tip which in and of itself is a protective boundary as one may not always want to engage in small talk.
The Intelligent Conversationalist by Imogen Lloyd Webber is another resource that provides cheat sheets on a myriad of topics to cultivate conversation.
I struggle to ask questions because I'm afraid of getting too personal and seeming like I'm prying. Plus I genuinely enjoy observing the world around me in quiet. I do like talking about the weather, and my go-to questions for new people are "what are some of your favorite..." vacations, passtimes, colors, seasons, holidays, animals, etc.
What’s something easy for lunch that isn’t a sandwich?
What was your first job and how old were you then?
What’s your favorite road trip or vacation you’ve taken?
Where did you grow up? What was it like?
These are good questions, I’m getting nervous even asking these but I gotta get out of my head . Thank you !
As a person who struggles with small talks and just jump into deep conversation i didn't know that was a red flag. Thanks for sharing
I have found that having a short list of questions for small talk helps. My learning has discovered that I enjoy asking questions and letting the other person speak. I listen, contribute, but the weight is not in me to carry the conversation. Asking questions also teaches me to learn how to listen.
How did you create your list or can you share it ? I struggle with small talk
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