Small Talk

get over your mom’s good intentions . 21
conversation for you—a monologue is a chore and seldom
very interesting. Furthermore, one-word answers to
questions do not count as shouldering your share of the
burden.
The first step in becoming a great conversationalist is
becoming invested in the conversation and actively
working to help the other person feel comfortable. Take a
look at the list of icebreaker questions that follow and
make a commitment to use at least four of them in your
next conversation. If you’re afraid you won’t remember
them, write them down, put them in your pocket, and
refer to them before you to go into the event. If you go
blank while you’re there, excuse yourself for a moment
and walk into the restroom to take a peek at your list.
The most famous and worn-out icebreaker is that age-old
question What do you do for a living? It’s so standard that
it didn’t make the icebreaker list. Here are some other
ways to begin a conversation that will provide a refreshing
diversion from shoptalk. You’ll never ask them all,
just the ones that seem appropriate for the particular
conversation and time. And be prepared to reciprocate,
since your conversation partner is likely to return whatever
questions you pose.