Benefits Of Small Talk

Small talk can be a big help.
Did you read that, think to yourself "I hate making small talk?" Most people do.
The fact is small talk can be described by any number of words, but few are good. It can be annoying, inconvenient and downright awkward at times. However, it can also provide a huge range of benefits that you kick yourself for not making use of sooner!
In your day to day life utilizing the benefits of small talk is a blessing; you can do it anywhere, with anyone, and you don't have the pressure of carrying on with a long and possibly serious conversation you would probably prefer to avoid.
For example, we have all felt the awkwardness wash over us as we, riding up in an elevator alone, are suddenly joined by another person. Should

(When using the news as a subject for small talk stay away from politics, controversial issues and depressing topics - these will have the opposite effect to what you desire, and nothing will be accomplished.) At first it might seem like it has little effect, but when you run into the same person next Wednesday morning and they greet you with a smile, perhaps even a handshake, and inquire as to how you are, you will appreciate the significant impression a gifted "small talker" can leave on even their most casual of

Several years ago she was working as a lecturer at a medical school; a good job with nice pay, but not the job she really wanted. Her boss, an older lady named Margaret, was incredibly intimidating - with an air of superiority and a mean look about her, the staff avoided her when they could. One day, my friend's mother, (being the saintly woman that she is,) ran into Margaret and another colleague in the copying room; the other colleague was reloading the paper tray, and both women were in total awkward silence - and she wanted to ease the atmosphere of tension in the room.
To make a long story short, she asked Margaret whether or not she had any plans for the weekend - as it turned out her demeanor entirely changed, clearly because someone had finally shown an interest in her life outside work.
From that time on small talk between them was commonplace, and in time my friend's mother became first choice to fill in while Margaret was away. And now, twelve years later, my friend's mother is in the highest position at her workplace, exactly where she wanted to be - all because she showed an interest in her