Small Talk I: It’s a Big Deal!

On Tuesday 11/15, I attended my 2nd workshop: Small Talk I: It’s a Big Deal. During this workshop, we talked about how to start a small talk with other people, such as possible employers and other important individuals. The advisor taught us how to start conversations with open ended questions and closed ended questions. I also learned small details that I didn’t notice before such as how body language can greatly make someone else aware of what we’re thinking. For example, if I avoid eye contact and talk unenthusiastically, the other person can get the impression that I am not interested in pursuing a conversation with them. I also learned that showing interest even though I am not necessarily interested in the topic we’re talking about, such as sports, is something that is beneficial. The advisor also taught us some of the media topics that we should take time to learn about because those topics are the ones many potential employers spend time discussing. I thought that I would have to have intellectual conversations with potential employers, but this is not necessarily the case. Most people have more discussions on social topics, rather than topics that are associated with the area of the business itself. Interviews are a major process is getting a job or an internship, so learning how to have small talks with people of all ages and backgrounds is an important skill that we should all take time to learn. Like my advisor repeated many times during the workshop, “small talk is a form of art which one can perfect after a lot of practicing!” After this workshop, I realized the importance of being able to start and maintain small conversations with other people.