Small talk is socially important in many English-speaking countries and is appropriate for non-personal comments on non-controversial topics. It is common at parties and can break the ice. Some people enjoy it while others do not. It’s important to observe socially acceptable conventions, such as avoiding personal or controversial topics and inappropriate compliments.
Small talks are conversations that are meaningless in terms of content, but are often seen as socially important in certain situations or contexts. In many English-speaking countries, not participating in it can be considered impolite or impolite. Non-personal comments on non-controversial topics are generally considered appropriate for this type of conversation.
Discussing the weather with people you don’t really know is an example of small talk that many of us are very familiar with every day. We can chat about the weather with the cashier at the supermarket or the attendant at the gas station. Having a conversation like this can also be situation related like waiting in line. People in line can comment to others about how slow the post office or bank is that day, for example. People also chat with people we may see every day but don’t really know, like those they share an elevator with at work.
Small talk is common at parties when guests may know the host but not each other. It’s considered rude not to socialize and talk to other guests at social functions, so talking about irrelevant topics can break the ice and get guests chatting. Compliments are often used to accomplish this, such as a woman at a party complimenting another on her dress. Guests at the buffet table can talk about the types of food on offer as they place items on their plates.
Some people like small talk because they find silence uncomfortable and/or like to communicate verbally. Others enjoy meeting new people and using it to strike up conversations. Some people don’t like this type of conversation at all and often dread going to parties at least in part because of it.
When you don’t talk very much, especially with strangers or people you don’t know very well, it’s important to observe some socially acceptable conventions. First, all topics should be general and not personal or controversial topics. Second, while compliments are acceptable, they shouldn’t refer to the person’s body or sound like a joke back.
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