Conversational small talk means that you are engaging in small talk with someone who has a response to everything. They may also be slightly arrogant which can make for a negative experience. However, some know-it-alls actually do know quite a bit, and you can learn from them.
The most important thing about small talk with a know-it-all is to always let them be right. It will save you a lot of time and argument. Although you may know the answer, it’s better to let them feel right.
This is a topic that is near and dear to the hearts of my readers, researchers, and website visitors. So much so that one of them were kind enough to share their own personal opinions. I don’t claim to be the best interviewer in the world, but I do promise some good, raw, and honest answers from normal people like you and me. I do my best to NOT filter these answers, except for the bad words and hateful speech.
With that little blurb out of the way, let’s dive right into the juicy bits of (potentially) life-changing insights.
Current Topic: Small Talk With Know-It-All
‘R’ = Richard N. Stephenson (me!)
‘I’ = Interviewee (anonymous by request unless otherwise noted)
R: What would someone really get out of this?
I: I believe you can learn from them. After having a small talk session with someone who comes of as a know-it-all, you can evaluate what makes them able to do so well discussing things. However I would suggest making improvements to their technique so as to not come of as cocky.
R: Think about the topic for a bit – describe what’s so special about it for most folks?
I: It might not give them an opportunity to open up and unleash their inner know it all beast.
R: I think everyone wants to be a better person – can you tell us how this topic relates?
I: With know-it-all’s, you initially assume they know a lot about any topic that may come up. By having small talk, you may learn how to deal with various types of conversations on various topics and in this way enhance your own communication skills. Additionally, it may increase your ability to be more compassionate especially when talking to others that seem to “know it all”, helping you out in future conversations or meetings.
R: At the end of the day, who would you pick to be the best at doing what matters most regarding this topic?
I: A person who is best at small talk with know-it-alls is a very introverted person. Someone who is quiet and easily intimidated. Someone who is afraid to be over-whelmed by the know it all’s.
R: Think back to your past friends, coworkers, and family – is there anyone who could use help with this subject?
I: Another know-it-all. Nothing is worse than a clash between two brains when it comes to small talk. It could lead to negative feeling toward each other because of arguing.
R: Describe the “perfect day” as far as making this subject a part of your life.
I: Monday mornings at work we all talk about the football games of the weekend. Or sports in general. Finding a common conversation piece is not hard. In the smartphone era all the info is usually in the palm of your hands.
R: When is a pretty good time to start paying more attention to this topic?
I: When you are seeking their help. Maybe you need a suggestion or advice with something. They would feel appreciative you asked for their help.
R: Give me an example of a bad time to dive deeper into this subject, please.
I: When you need to get something done right. You shouldn’t let them get in the way with shortcuts or any other advice. Use your skills.
R: If you can to name a place where this topic works really well, where would that be?
I: Places that they are unfamiliar with, so that they don’t start talking about how much they know about it. A place with a lot of people too, so that they can contribute to conversation and drown out the know-it-all. Also, do it at a place that they’re not in their element in.
R: There’s a time and a place for everything – what’s a place to NOT dive further into this topic?
I: In places where you don’t have much knowledge. If you make small talk with a librarian in a library, and you don’t like reading or literature much, you will come off as foolish. Make sure you are in a place that you have some knowledge about.
R: Who’s someone that could gain quite a bit from looking further into this topic?
I: I think that politicians could use some help not so much because they are talking to the know-it-all’s but because they tend to be them themselves! The humble ones know better, but man those uppity ones are doing some bad work by not communicating more effectively with their listeners and voters.
R: Give us at least one major tip we can do something with for this topic?
I: It best to engage in active listening rather than trying to compete with someone who is a “know-it-all”. Lean forward and make good eye contact. Nod your head periodically to show you are listening. It is also helpful to ask the person questions which gives them the impression you agree that they know more about the topic than you do.
R: Give the readers an example of the biggest pitfall for this topic.
I: Never cut them off mid-sentence and say “I know.” While you may not want to hear all of what they have to say, this will really set them off.
R: This topic is broad and the readers will need some focus. Can you help guide them along with an example of what to do next?
I: The best way to do that is to ask them to teach you what they know. And show true genuine trust and a real need to know. That way the person will believe you and will want to show you how its done. And to also earn his trust and befriend the guy.
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Thank you for reading this personal journey into becoming a better person and having a better future ahead of you. I hope you enjoyed this interview conversation and found golden nuggets you can immediately apply to your daily life.
If you’re interested in discovering how to use small talk to succeed at work, transform your introversion into a useful skill, and handle those annoying coworkers, then check out Just Say Something!.
Please feel free to share your thoughts, comments, or personal life-changing wisdom below.