Small Talk: Business

SMALL TALK: AT WORK & IN LIFE

Why is small talk important, especially in business?

WHY is small talk so important (especially in business?)

According to Forbes magazine, there are SIX reasons why Small Talk is essential for Business.1. You never know where it will lead: Small talk can lead to a host of outcomes, from just getting to know someone better to a bigger business connection.

2. It makes you smarter: Small talk can improve our ability to solve problems. Often, you must learn to read another person’s emotions & see things from their perspective (empathize). 3. It feels good: Humans are social animals, and a little small talk can help brighten our day.

4. It opens your eyes: Small talk is similar to exercising your brain. You have to focus, and it takes more effort than talking to someone you feel close with.

5. You’ll be liked: Spending your time to talk to someone is a symbol of respect.

6. You have no choice: From getting a job to meeting clients, small talk is simply an essential skill to master. Employers want people who can “think on their feet”

Acceptable Topics Taboo Topics

Acceptable Topics

• Present / Past activities• Work• Weather • General family wellness • Upcoming events (holidays,

vacation plans, work events…)• Travel• Hobbies (books, TV shows,

Sports)• News Headlines

Acceptable, if kept positive:• appearance / fashion• past performance• health • Food / restaurants• places to go• Money

Taboo Topics

• Religion / Religious beliefs• Sex• Appearance (if negative)• Politics / War• Money (sometimes)• Failure / poor performance• Relationship problems• Health problems• Gossip

Be careful about:• pregnancy / child-rearing• advice giving• opinion topics

* of course, it depends on your relationship with the person…

SMALL TALK ETIQUETTE

1. LIMIT THE WORD “I” TO A MINIMUM

Tell your story in the short version and ask the other person to tell his or her story.

Show interest in what he/she is saying. asking questions about the subject.

2. MAKE OTHERS FEEL IMPORTANT BY EYE CONTACT AND FOLLOW-UP QUESTIONS.

It’s important to show that you’re listening (respecting) the other person.

You can do this by eye contact, and asking follow-up questions.

*not looking at a cell phone.

3. AVOID WHISPERING

Whispering is risky because it sends the wrong message.

It could be viewed as gossiping or being secretive, and it could negatively affect your image at work.

4. SPEAK IN A LANGUAGE THAT IS INCLUSIVE

If you are talking to someone in a language that is not English and other people come along to join you and they do not speak your Vietnamese, it’s polite to switch to English and include them in the conversation.

Make them feel welcomed and not like they are interrupting.

5. TRY TO REMAIN NEUTRAL ON CONTROVERSIAL TOPICS, OR GIVE YOUR VIEW IN A POLITE WAY.

If someone else brings up a controversial topic, or wants your opinion about something, try to be diplomatic in your response (meaning, try to see both sides).

OR, if you do give your honest opinions, be polite while doing so, and avoid “proving your point” too much.

COMMON SMALL TALK MISTAKES

Not knowing how to ACCEPT a compliment.Some people feel uncomfortable if someone gives them a compliment. They may disagree, or just not say anything.

However, the best thing to do if someone compliments you is simply to say, “Thank you!”

Saying, “You look tired.” / “Are you pregnant?” “You look fatter/thinner.”

Remember to be careful if you comment on someone’s appearance! Keep it positive!

IF someone does look different, it’s better to ask them“How’s your day going?” “How are you feeling today?”

Responding negatively or complaining. If someone asks you how your day is, try to stay positive. Even if you’re havinga hard day, you can respond with phrases like:

“I’ve been busy today, but very productive. How about you?”

“The traffic was terrible today, but I’m happy I made it here on time! How long wasyour commute?”

“I’m doing okay, how about you?”

Failing to ask questions.Small talk is a ‘dance’ that requires two people to be fully engaged. If you’re the only one talking, you’re not really connecting with the other person.

If you find yourself in a ‘one-sided conversation’, get the other person involved byasking them questions about themselves.

BREAKING THE ICEWHAT WOULD YOU SAY TO “BREAK THE ICE” TO EACH PERSON

What would you say to…

…a colleague while waiting for a business meeting to begin?


…a colleague you’re picking up at the airport (first time meeting)


…your boss while you both wait for the elevator?


…two doctors that you have a meeting with


…a foreign KOL speaker that has been toVietnam many times before.


…your boss, if you ran into him/her eating dinner at the same restaurant as you?


…the person sitting next to you on a long flight?


…Someone you meet at a networking event?

Small Talk: Business

Education

Transcript of Small Talk: Business