Use Clever Questions To Ease Into Small Talk

For some most of us, making “small talk” while in an elevator, waiting in line, or made to “network” isn’t fun, or easy. Thomas Farley, editor of Modern Manners, offers a few tips on getting by. Farley recommends opening any socially-forced conversation with a “wry observation phrased as a question,” rather than jamming out your hand for a shake or blurting your name. You could, in certain situations, wonder aloud whether you’re at a popular tech conference or a massive iPhone field test. Or wonder aloud what everyone at the office is thinking, with just a hint of rebellious humor. However you break in, you should start thinking ahead into how you’ll further affirm your rapport:

As you listen to the reply, prep your next move. Aim for 15-second bursts that segue into further questions.

The How-To snippets are short enough you could almost text them to yourself, and certainly condense with some acronyms, if you really needed a last-minute guide. What’s the most surprisingly effective way you’ve found to get over shyness and chat someone up? Hit us up in the comments. Photo by dominiekth.