When it comes to making small talk, we often use personal information as our ice-breaker, but how much is too much information to give someone you don't know?
Personal information can be a bit of a tricky topic when it comes to small talk. People often share things that might be too personal to share with a stranger or someone who is not a close personal friend or family member.
For example, telling someone what you like or don't like.
"Hi, my name is Lindy and I love McDonald's" 😒 or "Hi, my name is Lindy and I hate McDonald's" 😒 neither are good ways to start a conversation and it might make the other person feel uncomfortable.
Another example is talking about your health. In many cultures it is normal to ask after your health and your family's health too. However, this is more out of politeness and tradition. For most people, health issues are a bit more of a personal topic and should not be discussed with people you are not close with, even if they ask you.
Here's an example of what I mean; "Hi Lindy. How are you? How is your health? And your family's health?"
"Hi Sam, I'm not good. I have been very sick and in hospital for 3 days, doctors don't know why. And my family is not good, my mother has the flu and my father had an operation" 😒
Remember this is someone you work with, someone you don't know very well at all. What can Sam say next that will make the conversation continue? Nothing. At most Sam will say something like "I'm sorry to hear that" and then find a way to leave and your conversation is over.
When someone asks you that question, rather say "I'm Okay and my family is too, thanks for asking" or "I'm fine thanks and so are they" or "Everyone is good thanks."
When speaking in English ALWAYS say "thank you" when someone asks how you are.
So what can you say and ask when making small talk?
- "My name is Lindy, what's yours?"👍
- "That's an interesting accent, where are you from?" 👍
- "Hi. how are you?" 👍 And remember always reply with a thanks at the end "I'm fine thanks" NOT "fine." 😒 Also wait for the person to reply. Don't say "How are you, fine?" 😒
- "How long have you been in this country for?" 👍
- "What do you do?" 👍
Follow these tips and before you know it you'll be able to make small talk with anyone. From the CEO to the salesperson at a car showroom. 👍👍
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