I (F22) started a new job where I have to interact with my colleagues 24/7. The positon also requires me to speak with executives, wealthy stakeholders, blah blah. Bottom line is it’s exhaustingly social. This may not sound like a big a deal but this is my first in person job since the height of COVID. Yesterday, on my way out, I ran into the CEO. He’s friendly but intimidating. We enjoyed healthy small talk but it started off, and ended, awkwardly. I keep experiencing moments like these, especially since I’m new. Basically, I’m embarrassed of how bad my small talk skills are. Is this a part of professional interactions that I should just get used to? Or are there any tips on how to make these conversation less awkward and fake? I want people to enjoy talking to me. And I want to be able to engage in conversation that don’t seem so forced
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I find referencing names or things they have told me before shows you’re listening and it’s a good way to build rapport
I ask people what their favorite restaurants are to eat at. It gets them to talk about something they’re comfortable with and who doesn’t like food. Bonus it also gives you new places to try it and talk about.
Small talk is an art form. Takes practice.
I feel like telling a quick relatable story at the subject matter always helps.
I had a boss in construction tell me “this is why we can’t have nice things!” when I was unloading someone’s work vehicle of all of their materials and dropped something. . . It was all going into the trash anyway.
It’s a nice feature of the professional dynamic, banter, but if it’s so repetitive it stops you from working, like it’s a whole group joining together to do it on one person, then it’s not cool.
Anyway try to poke fun in an otherwise innocuous situation. Do it to everyone, no discrimination, no one is safe. The more you practice it the better you’ll be with it. . . Then, soon, you will have a team of minions who want to chill with you at the water cooler and the CEO will have no choice but to think you’re chill like that.
If you follow sports asking about a local team is good. It helps if the team is good though.
Stop putting so much thought into it and pressure on yourself. The sooner you act like your authentic self, the more you’ll relate.
And if all else fails talk about the weather. Everyone has an opinion and feelings about the temperature. It’s weird but it works!