For many of us a quick “K” or “LOL” text message constitutes an entire conversation. While it is convenient to be able to get your point across in three letters or less, those shorthand responses have robbed us of an important skill: small talk. How often do you see someone who is obviously waiting for another person, furiously texting so they don’t look alone? Before cell phones, you may have turned to the person next to you and chatted until your friend arrived.
Networking is the business equivalent of small talk; a powerful tool that requires you to talk to complete strangers. While asking about their hobbies, or their children’s sports teams may seem like an easy task, it can be paralyzing for someone who is used to communicating in front of a screen.
So how do you get back the power of small talk? Prepare a list of generic questions that you can ask anyone. Knowing that you have something to say will ease your anxiety. If you know who will be at the event, do some research ahead of time and think of questions you want to ask specific people. Being familiar with a person, even over the Internet, will give you more confidence when talking to them face-to-face.
Networking is the business equivalent of small talk; a powerful tool that requires you to talk to complete strangers. While asking about their hobbies, or their children’s sports teams may seem like an easy task, it can be paralyzing for someone who is used to communicating in front of a screen.
So how do you get back the power of small talk? Prepare a list of generic questions that you can ask anyone. Knowing that you have something to say will ease your anxiety. If you know who will be at the event, do some research ahead of time and think of questions you want to ask specific people. Being familiar with a person, even over the Internet, will give you more confidence when talking to them face-to-face.
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