Ace any party with these great small-talk tips.
It’s Spring! And finally, time to come out of hibernation and step back onto the social scene. But that can also come with a lot of social anxiety if the gift of the gab doesn’t come as naturally as you’d like. Follow these three tips to breeze through any party with charm and ease.
COME PREPARED
Don’t worry – there’s no need to walk around with a notepad. Think of and prepare conversational topics ahead of time that can fill any (awkward) silence. "As I drive to a party, I try to come up with two or three things to talk about in case the conversation runs dry. If I've met the host before, I try to remember things about [them], like [their] passion for skiing or a charity we're both involved in." says Debra Fine, author of The Fine Art of Small Talk. Questions like ‘How do you know the host?’, ‘Do you have any plans for the upcoming weekend or holiday’ are topics to try out when you feel stuck with the sound of crickets.
PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE
Like anything else, perfecting the art of small talk takes practice. If you feel intimidated to talk to guests at a party, practice on complete strangers in the time leading up to the shindig. Striking up a conversation with a stranger at a grocery store (you know you won’t run into often) can often be less intimidating. Because hey, what do you have to lose? The more you do this, the better you will develop your conversational skills and ace small talk at any event.
PLAY THE GAME
Respond generously when asked a question. Simply replying ‘good’ or ‘fine’ when asked how you are is a sure way to deter any friendly chat. Think of the conversation as a game of table tennis. With every question you should aim to keep the ‘game’ going. Did they ask you about work? Mention the different aspects of your job that you enjoy and respond by asking them the same. That will give both parties the opportunity to end the conversation whenever they feel like it.
COME PREPARED
Don’t worry – there’s no need to walk around with a notepad. Think of and prepare conversational topics ahead of time that can fill any (awkward) silence. "As I drive to a party, I try to come up with two or three things to talk about in case the conversation runs dry. If I've met the host before, I try to remember things about [them], like [their] passion for skiing or a charity we're both involved in." says Debra Fine, author of The Fine Art of Small Talk. Questions like ‘How do you know the host?’, ‘Do you have any plans for the upcoming weekend or holiday’ are topics to try out when you feel stuck with the sound of crickets.
PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE
Like anything else, perfecting the art of small talk takes practice. If you feel intimidated to talk to guests at a party, practice on complete strangers in the time leading up to the shindig. Striking up a conversation with a stranger at a grocery store (you know you won’t run into often) can often be less intimidating. Because hey, what do you have to lose? The more you do this, the better you will develop your conversational skills and ace small talk at any event.
PLAY THE GAME
Respond generously when asked a question. Simply replying ‘good’ or ‘fine’ when asked how you are is a sure way to deter any friendly chat. Think of the conversation as a game of table tennis. With every question you should aim to keep the ‘game’ going. Did they ask you about work? Mention the different aspects of your job that you enjoy and respond by asking them the same. That will give both parties the opportunity to end the conversation whenever they feel like it.
3 CONVERSATION TIPS TO ACE ANY PARTY
Reviewed by Amaarah
on
September 20, 2024
Rating:
Reviewed by Amaarah
on
September 20, 2024
Rating:
