1. What do you think of these?

2. Walk across the room and say HELLO to 10 people in 10 different ways.

3. SMALL TALK

4. Do WE teach small talk?

5. Small talk is more than just chitchat. Small talk is more than just chitchat. -basic foundation to meaningful conversations Master small talk and you’re ready to have meaningful conversations!Master small talk and you’re ready to have meaningful conversations!

6. Nobody is born with a gift to be a natural conversationalist. It is learnt and acquired.

7. Think of casual conversations that take place in your daily life List the places where these conversations take place e.g. on your way to the market Show your list to another friend.

8. All these situations require small talk or offer opportunities to BROADEN OUR HORIZON.

9. People who excel at small talk are experts at making others feel included, valued and comfortable. HOW?

10. STEPS TO FOLLOW #1 – Take the risk. Make the FIRST move. #2 – Assume the burden. Share the responsibility. Remember the names. Introduce to others

11. Talk is cheap…but very valuable. WHY? To humanize the relationship Think of the professions that may deal with small talk to stay in business.

12. Many of us lack adequate conversation skills. Why? Good advice from toddler years –Good things come to those who wait –Silence is golden –Wait to be properly introduced –Don’t talk to strangers

13. It’s over and done with! Let’s move on…. In safe situations, make it a point to talk to strangers Introduce yourself Silence is impolite Good things come to those who go get them!

14. #3- Have a list of icebreakers ready at your fingertips

15. Let’s take a peek at some samples What do you think of the movie? Tell me about your children? Tell me about the first car you ever bought? Who is the most famous person you’ve met? How are you able to tell that a melon is ripe?

16. #4- Observe body language Smile Make eye contact Remember the person’s name Use the person’s name in your greeting Act like a host, introduce others Do not shorten name without permission

17. OK, so we forget….then, what next? Say this: “Excuse me, I’m not sure I got your name.”

18. #5 - Keep the conversation going Use statements –“ I was truly touched by that movie. How did you like it? Why?” –“What a great conference! Tell me about the sessions you attended.” –“You always wear such attractive clothes. What are your favourite stores?”

19. #6 - Digging Deeper Construct open-ended questions –Describe for me… –Tell me about… –How did you… –What was that like for you? –What brought you to…? –Why?

20. Enhance in Action Instead of: –Are you married? –What do you do for living? –Do you have children? –What’s your favourite hobby? –How was your weekend? We use:

21. Positive messages to speaker Lean forward Maintain eye contact Open up your arms and body Face your partner Nod and smile

22. Off-putting gestures WE should never use Pointing Covering your mouth Rubbing and fondling body parts Fiddling with jewellery Tapping a pen or pencil Swinging your leg Crossing arms around your chest Putting hands on your hips Glancing away from the person who is speaking

23. Verbal Cues “Tell me more. What was that like for you?” “Hmm…, I see…” “How interesting! What an accomplishment!” “Along the same line, do you…?” “That must have been tough/frustrating,..” “What proof do you have of that?” “That reminds me of…” “ I’ve always wanted to ask you..”

24. #7 - Speak no evil Avoid often-controversial topics –Stories of questionable taste –Gossip –Personal misfortune –How much things cost –Controversial subjects –Health (theirs and yours)

25. The Graceful Exit “I need to go see the students.” “I want to go talk to the speaker.” “I want to get around and say hello to everyone at this party.” FOCUS ON YOU.

26. 5 WAYS TO FUEL A CONVERSATION Practise different ways of starting a conversation Show curiosity and sincere interest in finding out about others Smile, make eye contact, offer a handshake and go find the approachable person Be able to speak about a variety of topics and subjects Be ready to ask open-ended questions to learn more

27. GOLDEN RULES TO FOLLOW Be the first to speak Remember names Have a handful of icebreakers ready Watch body language, be a good listener Maintain conversation-dig deeper Say good things- be positive Leave gracefully