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How To Make Small Talk That Will Boost Your Career
So what exactly is "small" talk? I like to define it as the ability to talk with someone you have never met before, or whom you rarely know, in such a way that they want to know more about you. Most people dread the thought of having to strike up a conversation with someone they don't know and so they quickly find a reason to text someone or glance at their cell phone email. But getting good at the art of small talk you can actually help boost your career. What if you happen to see your boss's boss or someone further up the hierarchical career ladder? Do you know how to break the ice and quickly find a way to make a positive lasting impression? If not, you will find below four steps to take when you are in that awkward position of first meeting someone that could have an impact on you personally or professionally.
- Be the first to say hello- a smile, an extended hand and introduction will go a long way in breaking the ice with any new acquaintence. If the person you are reaching for is someone who can impact your career, it sends the message that you are both confident and concerned with meeting new people. What is the worst that can happen if you are the first to initiate a conversation? Well, I guess they could not hear you or not extend their hand but this would be the rare exception. If you take the first step, you are showing the moxy necessary to succeed in today's relationship-driven world.
- Stay current with news and events- there is nothing like breaking the ice with a question about a current event. So what do you think of those Vikings? Or, can you believe the amount of snowfall that northern Minnesota received this weekend? I know that I was taught to always stay away from controversial topics so as to not offend anyone. However, author Keith Ferrazzi who wrote Never Eat Alone believes that you should talk about tough subjects if they involve you being vulnerable. He mentioned being at a social event and bringing up the fact that he just broke up with his girlfriend and that opened up a conversation with others at the table about the difficulties they have had with relationships. The point here is to ask a question that may allow you to show vulnerability and then listen to what others have to say versus dominating the conversation.
- Find ways to help- by becoming an observer at a social event or work, you can quickly spot when someone needs help with wait staff or opening a container or using a fax machine, etc. By offering to help you can begin a conversation about the difficulty of using that fax machine and how you have experienced the same problems with it in the past.
- Match their body language- we all know that communcation is made up of the words we use and the way we say them. If your voice inflection and body movements match the person whom you are speaking wtih, you have a better chance of making a positive connection. If you are loud and gregarious while speaking with someone who is quiet and conservative, you will soon find yourself standing alone.
Reaching out to others through small talk can feel awkward and uncomfortable if you do not know the steps for success. By initiating conversations, asking for reactions to current events, finding ways to offer help and matching your body language, you will be on your way to connecting with people that may be able to impact both your personal and professional life. |
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About Us
Diane Amundson is the owner of Diane Amundson & Associates. She has been training, speaking and consulting for over sixteen years in the areas of leadership, creativity, generational diversity, team building, sales communication, conflict resolution and strategic planning. She has worked with Fortune 500 Companies like General Mills and Pepsi Cola along with numerous school districts in Minnesota and Wisconsin. She has co-authored a book titled Success Strategies: A High Achiever's Guide to Success. She is a member of the National Speakers Association and has served as Adjunct Professor of Organizational Behavior at Winona State University.
She is a Rotarian that has traveled the world on humanitarian projects in Mongolia, India and Brazil.
Her style of speaking is informative and highly interactive.
Diane Amundson & Associates
Phone: (507)452-2232 Fax:(507)452-0090 24456 County Road 9 Winona, MN 55987 |
