When it comes to small talk, I am able to keep a conversation going only if I’m up for it. There are some times when I want to talk to someone and other times when I just want to be alone. Even so, there are those times when I can’t avoid talking to someone and small talks may be nerve wrecking. At this workshop I was not only able to relate but also gain knowledge regarding the different ways to create small talk and learn new techniques that I can use in the future. When you approach someone that you aren’t familiar with but want to be friends with, you can do that with small talk. What makes small talk effective is that by asking simple questions or making small comments, it may branch out to even further, deeper topics that may result in a full conversation. We learned body language says a lot about someone and depending on their posture and atmosphere, they may give off different vibes. It’s also important to give the person you’re talking to your undivided attention and you can show that you care by actually listening, keeping eye contact, and leaning forward. At the end of the small talk, you should always end on a friendly note and if you haven’t exchanged names yet this will be the best time to do so before you both part.
All in all, I found this workshop helpful and enjoyed the interactive activities. We were also given a student guide packet so that we can refer back to the techniques discussed during the workshop if we ever need to. I was able to learn how important small talk is and how you can not only make new friends or acquaintances but improve your conversation skills. 