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Small Talk=Success: 10 Tips
Debra Fine
Stanford University School of Business conducted a study that monitored a group of MBAs 10 years after graduation. What did they learn? That their ability to converse had a huge impact on their success and grade point averages had no bearing whatsoever. These are not traditional public speaking skills, but the way you interact with people less formally.
The ability to connect with others through small talk can lead to big things, according to Debra Fine, author of The Fine Art of Small Talk (Hyperion 2005).
A former engineer, Fine recalls being so ill at ease at networking events and even the 10 minute coffee break during a meeting that she would hide in the restroom. Now a motivational speaker, Fine believes the ability to develop relationships with people through small talk is an acquired skill.
Fine offers these 10 tips for starting − and ending – casual conversations.
1. The Rule of Three
2. The Power of “Hello”
3. The Name Game
4. A Common Thread
5. The Active Eye
6. The Active Ear
7. What’s News?
8. Body Language
9. Drill Down
10. Exit Strategy
metot
10 months ago
292 comments
I learn:)
pmzere
10 months ago
2 comments
very interesting
it can also adapt the S.M.A.R.T you know ?
sueturcotte
10 months ago
4 comments
Outstanding article . . . and thank you for the exit strategies! One technique I learned quite a while ago, which is especially helpful on those occasions when socializing is a struggle . . . F.O.R.M. Family, Occupation, Recreation, Money ('Money' can also be generalized to discussions about the economy . . . there is certainly a lot of grist for that mill!) Simply asking people what they do for fun & relaxation opens the door for some genuinely enjoyable and memorable conversations.
ngrojas
10 months ago
12 comments
As an closet introvert, small talk has always been a challenge and these tips will be helpful to me, and to my son who inherited my personality.
BGibbs
over 1 year ago
8 comments
I loved this article forward it to all my buddies keep putting them out there
ianconversation
over 1 year ago
2 comments
Very clever. Terry Hemeyer gave us this in his PR class tonight. Thanks Debra.
BEST_is_yet_to_come
almost 2 years ago
2 comments
Very good, great advice for new or more accomplished sales or marketing personnel.
fahim
almost 2 years ago
4 comments
Short but nice and absorbable.
jlynnrose
almost 2 years ago
2 comments
Excellent suggestions.
malay_anand
almost 2 years ago
4 comments
great tips
shileshonline
almost 2 years ago
12 comments
just exellent tips ........superb......
dml9351
almost 2 years ago
12 comments
This is excellent and very on the the mark
johnnykalani
almost 2 years ago
2 comments
A great list to remember. Most if not all friendships, business contacts, etc start with small talk from my experience. and first impressions are everything.
rich34232
almost 2 years ago
918 comments
I for one believe strongly in small talk.Take as much time as needed for the small talk,always allow the client to become comfortable in the situation they are in and have to be involved with , in order to have a solution provided by me for them.
Exit strategy should always include the ablity to thank the client along with complementing them on the great a decision they made for the ownership exchange..
SellYaUnderDaTable
over 2 years ago
62 comments
Having exit line strategies is a great idea. I am always thankful when I have a few up my sleeve instead of being stuck in an awkward convo.