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- Smalltalk is the door opener for private and professional contacts
- The right body language
- Successful entry
- Keep the conversation going
- Avoid these topics
- Exercise makes perfect
- Get out of the conversation
Smalltalk is the door opener for private and professional contacts
Small talk is not for everyone. But loosely and confidently chatting off is not that difficult - even small tricks turn you into a true professional!
Not everyone likes small talk and, above all, not every small talk is MAG. But jumping over your own shadow can be worthwhile: both privately and for your career.
Smalltalk is the best way to get started with new contacts . Whether at the company party or a private party, where you know no one but the host ... Quite as if by itself, easier and more relaxed to talk to each other, can be learned.
The right body language
Facial expressions and gestures are much more important for a nice conversation than the chosen words. A straight posture, a strong handshake and a nice smile open every door for a conversation. And especially important: always seek direct eye contact with the person - this symbolizes respect, sympathy and honesty.
Successful entry
Smile on the potential interlocutor, man or woman, and ask an open question .
Open questions always start with a W: How, what, where, why, where, etc., etc. The answer can not only be yes or no, but always complete sentences, even stories.
Example: "How do you know the host?" Tail on the answer, tell us where you know the host, and introduce yourself.
Keep the conversation going
You have introduced yourself, now it is important to keep up the conversation.
Best are situation-related topics such. Music, decoration or food. If you do not have the opportunity, look for general topics such as place of residence, hobbies, job or family. You will see, you quickly realize similarities and the conversation develops as if by itself.
Show interest in what your counterpart tells. Not only does that make him feel good. The best way to communicate interest is to listen attentively and ask questions.
It is important that you remain honest and do not come across artificially. Do not play up, do not slime yourself - be yourself, you are the best.
Avoid these topics
Not every topic is suitable for small talk . You may be too easy in a faux pas, especially if you do not know your opponent (yet) so well.
That's why you avoid politics, religion, anyone's financial situation, personal problems, gossip about absent people or rumors.
Practice creates masters
You are a reserved person and rarely go out of yourself? Then daily training is announced, because there are enough opportunities: z. At the checkout in the supermarket, in the office with colleagues, at the hairdresser or in the train with other travelers - after a short time it is really fun.
Get out of the conversation
You want to finish a conversation tactfully? Switch from open to closed questions, ie questions that your counterpart can answer with "yes" or "no". This slows down the conversation process first.
Finally, thanks for the interview and a short, non-binding statement are optimal.
In extreme cases, even a small white lie is forgivable: "It was nice to meet you, but please excuse me now, over there I just see a friend that I would like to welcome."
