Workplace Wellbeing: How to master the art of small talk

Many of us dread it, but casual conversation is often the first step to meaningful connections, and with a few simple tools, it doesn’t have to be a chore

Odhrán Mc Carthy: “Some people click and some don’t. Why spend time and effort trying to connect with someone if it’s clear it’s just not happening? Tell them that it was nice talking to them and start again with someone else.”

Many of us feel uncomfortable at the thought of engaging in small talk. The idea of attending a networking event can seem like a social minefield. We wonder how we’re going to strike up conversations with strangers. 

We fear the awkward silences that can descend when there’s a lull in the chitchat and we worry that we’re not going to be able to think of interesting anecdotes or questions to fill them.