On a date, for lunch with colleagues, at a flat share party – you can always use small talk topics. We have ten inspirations that will definitely help you avoid future awkward silences.
small talk – some can have soft conversations, with others the quick-wittedness only sets in half an hour after the conversation. It doesn’t take much to be good small talkers. Find an easy start, express interest, talk, listennice in the right places smile and rathersuperficial stay – the foundation stone has already been laid.
If we then still the right topics of conversation addressing them, we can easily and charmingly wrap our counterparts around our fingers – even without coaching, seminars or a master’s degree in rhetoric.
Small talk topics: 10 ideas and examples for casual chatting
Imagine you are standing in line for a coffee after your lunch break, for example. In front of you, of course, there is a long queue – and suddenly the boss of all people is right behind you. Might be a looong awkward few minutes! Other situations where embarrassed silence not so cool is: When flirting, in a job interview, at a Christmas party, with colleagues or business partners at lunch …
But if you’ve mastered the “art” of small talk, you don’t need to be afraid of something like that. Often there is one smooth conversation starter already half the battle. And just to keep one coming to mind, here are ten topics that make great icebreakers—plus a few fun facts you’re welcome to throw into a casual conversation.
1. Current situation
- “After lunch, nothing beats a coffee to get you going again – do you like a cappuccino?”
- “I love sweets. Have you tried the muffins here?”
- “But you are well connected, I took the subway and found my way here straight away. If so, where is the best place to park my bike?”
- “And how are you enjoying the party? A lot more people here than I thought.”
- “Uh, what are you eating today? That looks delicious!”
And a start would already have been made in all of the above-mentioned situations. The current location is always and guaranteed common denominator, about which both interlocutors can think of something.
First rule in small talk etiquette: don’t worry, Obvious or irrelevant to address! Small talk, small effort – high demands on content block us and that’s exactly what we want to avoid when making small talk with other people.
2. The last movie you saw / the last book you read
Either your counterpart has also seen it / read it and you exchange ideas about it or you talk about it and make a recommendation. You can ask something like “Do you like science fiction?” or “Do you generally like crime novels?” and a casual conversation is already under way.
by the way: Did you know that trailers were originally shown after the film? That’s why they are also called trailers, but since most viewers leave very quickly after the main film, they are now shown at the beginning of the performance.
3. Pets
Ask about the other person’s pets, tell them about your own, ask whether the person you are talking to is more of a dog or cat type, why more of a cat, and so on and so forth. The conversation will easily get going.
Speaking of pets: In Switzerland it is illegal to keep a guinea pig alone.
4. Your next trip
- Where are we going?
- how did you book
- What you up to?
- are you traveling alone
- Where are you staying?
So much harmless conversation that you don’t step on anyone’s toes and where you can integrate other people wonderfully (“Have you been there before?” “How do you usually book?”…)
random fact: The Caribbean island nation of Saint Lucia is the only country named after a woman. Your conversation partner certainly doesn’t know that.
5. Siblings
“My sister just had twins, they’re so cute! Do you have any siblings? What’s their zodiac sign?” – bang, running. But beware: In this topic of conversation is also sensitivity asked! Some people may not have a good relationship with their siblings or may regret being an only child. Then it’s best to move on to the next topic inconspicuously – such a talk is simply too small for therapy sessions or crisis talks about your CV…
6. Music or concert experiences
“I once saw Damien Rice live in Hamburg – that was the greatest concert of my life.” Then you tell why, ask your counterpart what music he or she likes and the conversation is already in flow.
Nice to know: Bob Dylan’s real name is Robert Zimmerman.
7. Restaurants or clubs you like to go to
Eating, drinking, going out – everyone likes to talk about that! Exchanging recommendations, raving about favorite dishes, sharing the anecdote of a boozy evening. This kind of entertainment is guaranteed to break any ice!
8. Sports
“As fit as you look, you’re definitely doing sports. What are you doing?” – and the rest takes care of itself. compliments (if they fit and are meant honestly) always get along well and when it comes to sports – whether active or passive – everyone actually has something to say and common interests are quickly found.
by the way: In Wimbledon, the players are not allowed to swear.
9. Cities you’ve lived (or vacationed) in
Why don’t you ask the person where they were born – bet they’ll get going all by themselves? If not, you just start and tell us where you come from, what kind of city it is, whether you liked living there and what else is on the tip of your tongue.
10. Weather
Admittedly, a bit unsexy and seems like the number one alternative topic, but ultimately everyone can say something about it and everyone has an opinion – often we even have one the same opinion (Rain is stupid, sun is good, heat is exhausting, cold is depressing) and similarities facilitate every conversation.
Unbelievable: On February 18, 1979, it snowed for half an hour in the Sahara.
Are you already good at small talk anyway? You might be interested in how you solve conflicts, convince other people or generally appear self-confident.