The Fine Art of Small Talk: How to Start a Conversation, Keep It Going, Build Networking Skills -- and Leave a Positive Impression!

25. Skiing here is always challenging. What are some of your favorite places to ski? 26. Who would star as you in a movie about your life? Why that person? 27. Who is the most famous person you’ve met? 28. Tell me about some of your New Year’s resolutions. 29. What’s the most antiestablishment thing you’ve ever done? 30. Describe a costume that you wor

Just a couple more words of advice: Be patient. You don’t have to have it all in one date. Give yourself a chance to bond with this person instead of trying to find out everything about them in this one encounter and then making a snap decision about whether or not you want to see them again. And keep your sense of humor. Don’t tell jokes (unless y

Extend your hand, make eye contact, and smile saying, “Hello. My name is Deb Fine. It’s nice to meet you.

Family Tell me about your family. Does everyone live in the area? What do you like best about being a father/mother/son/aunt, etc.? Occupation What got you into your current job? How did you come up with that idea? What are some of the toughest challenges in your job? If you could change one thing about your job, what would it be? How has the Inter

Behavior. If you are observant, you’ll get a lot of free information from people’s behavior. The way they speak and write can offer you small talk starters. Notice if they are left-handed. You can inquire, Is it challenging being left-handed? What pet peeves do you have about it? Does the person have an accent? If so, you might say, I thought

it would be a mistake to make the client “wrong.” It’s better to say, I realize it’s frustrating to experience this. What can we do from here?

immediately upon entering.

Connectors • You look totally at ease. I wish I could feel the same way you do. • That’s a great outfit (pair of shoes, bracelet, necktie). I love fashion (good taste, jewelry). • I almost stayed home to read a book instead of coming here. • I’d rather be watching basketball, but this is fun, too. • I’ve never attended one of these events before. W

Calling-for-the-Date Small Talk • It was great to meet you at ______. I hope you had as good a time as I did. • Hey, I wanted to add something to our conversation the other night . . . • You mentioned ______. Do you have any idea where I can find one? • I really enjoyed our conversation about ______, and felt like we kind of connected on that issue

making your entrance—actually walking in to where the action is taking place.