Small talk is also hard. I’ve never been “good at it”, even after I practised (referencing a different article of yours) so largely I’ve never bothered.
Yes Mark, small talk has its place, but often leaves long awkward gaps as the other person is scrabbling to remember the person's name too, while trying to come back with a response 😩.
I guess as a trainer and presenter I've learned how to master small talk from the many many people I've trained. But, once away from that day to day training environment, it can be tricky to strike up a conversation with a stranger for me too.
Keith - love this article as well! You've been putting out some solid informational pieces recently!
I love to use what I call the pivot - if someone starts with small talk I oblige for a bit but then mid-conversation I do pivot towards the types of conversation you mention. A lot of people don't roll with me deeper but than the people who do -bingo! Now I have the potential for a deeper conversation that helps both of us feel better (most likely).
Then the one's who don't. That's okay I'm not here to feed everyone's soul.
I love the concept of "the pivot"—it’s such a great way to test the waters for deeper conversation without forcing it. And you’re right, not everyone is willing (or ready) to go there, and that’s totally fine. The ones who do? Those are the conversations that stick with you, the ones that make you think, reflect, and grow.
It’s a great mindset too—realizing you don’t have to feed everyone’s soul, just connect meaningfully with those who are open to it. Thanks for sharing that insight!
Small talk is also hard. I’ve never been “good at it”, even after I practised (referencing a different article of yours) so largely I’ve never bothered.
Yes Mark, small talk has its place, but often leaves long awkward gaps as the other person is scrabbling to remember the person's name too, while trying to come back with a response 😩.
I guess as a trainer and presenter I've learned how to master small talk from the many many people I've trained. But, once away from that day to day training environment, it can be tricky to strike up a conversation with a stranger for me too.
Keith - love this article as well! You've been putting out some solid informational pieces recently!
I love to use what I call the pivot - if someone starts with small talk I oblige for a bit but then mid-conversation I do pivot towards the types of conversation you mention. A lot of people don't roll with me deeper but than the people who do -bingo! Now I have the potential for a deeper conversation that helps both of us feel better (most likely).
Then the one's who don't. That's okay I'm not here to feed everyone's soul.
Thanks so much, Bronce! I really appreciate that.
I love the concept of "the pivot"—it’s such a great way to test the waters for deeper conversation without forcing it. And you’re right, not everyone is willing (or ready) to go there, and that’s totally fine. The ones who do? Those are the conversations that stick with you, the ones that make you think, reflect, and grow.
It’s a great mindset too—realizing you don’t have to feed everyone’s soul, just connect meaningfully with those who are open to it. Thanks for sharing that insight!