Vocabulary for small talk
When you’ve gone beyond the “how are you” stage and are out of words to use to respond to what others are saying (for instance, after they talk about what their major is and what they plan to do for their thesis or the like, well, basically what to fill in for “that’s ___”), keep this following word list in mind:
1. (Of course, this word should be first on the list) Cool
2. (That’s) Great
3. (That’s) Fantastic
4. Nice!
5. Brilliant
6. Stellar!
7. Wonderful
8. AWESOME
9. Sweet!
10. Solid!
Other tips:
Remember something from your last conversation with that person and bring it up again so she/he feels good that you were paying attention/that you care.
Exit lines are also very important. Make sure you give the other party the impression that you absolutely enjoyed their company (albeit for just 2-3 minutes). Lines like “Hey it was really great talking to you, but I’ve gotta get going to ____, but I sure hope we can catch up again! Good luck/ Have fun with your ____ [insert whatever the other party mentioned she/he was going to do]!”
Actually, I’m beginning to appreciate small talk as a fine art. Make it natural to talk to people while you wait in line, in the elevator, anywhere…you never know who you might get to know!
