Small talk means making conversation when you see someone that you need to acknowledge but no that well or even like that much. It is typically a conversation held at a social function or when meeting someone unexpectedly. For me, the small talk entails me conveying information or asking questions that let the other person […]

Small talk means subjects that people go to automatically when they feel the need to speak with people and really have nothing else to say. I believe many people are uncomfortable just being, and need constantly speak. They may also feel that society or culture tells them that they need to acknowledge or communicate with […]

I would assume (in most cases) small talk is talking with someone you are not very close to. It probably suggests everyday chit chat, such as how is the weather or how has work been. The target person you are talking to is probably a neighbor, a acquaintance [not a friend] or some coworker. You […]

I assume small talk with subject matter experts/specialists implies that you’re talking about small topics and insignificant fluff to certain experts and specialists on a topic of their expertise. An example that comes to mind would be like talking about over-the-counter medicine to a neurosurgeon. He knows everything and he’s an expert on the subject […]

Real-deal small talk is about proving to others that your are knowledgeable of the company and trying to make yourself seem worthy of a promotion. You want to work your way up the corporate ladder and good work alone wont do that. You have to initiate small talk to show you are interesting and to […]

I think that small talk with shop technicians or manual laborer means to ask about their kids, their hobbies, their lives. Anything that helps you find a connection and appreciate this person as a person and not just the guy fixing your car. It doesn’t have to use up a lot of time… just needs […]

I think certain types of small talk calls for you to sit and listen while the “know-it-all” person tells you everything they are an expert about. If you bring up sports as a small talk conversation, the know-it-all may proceed to explain why they know who will win the big game that night, and why […]

When you are talking about someone who has authority over you, be it your boss’s boss or the CEO, the word small becomes relative. Anything involving a boss can have a big impact. Conversation with a superior can be fraught with peril but it can also be a great opportunity. Peril comes from the fear […]

An overview of what small talk means is brief encounters at the water cooler, in line for coffee, or passing in the hall. Nothing too in-depth, because they are too busy micromanaging everyone and that requires a lot of time and effort. So small talk would be shallow and vague, no subjects that would take […]