This one is about making small talk big.
The other day I was talking to a friend about a networking event. I asked if she was interested in going, and she immediately said, “I hate those things.” When I asked why, she said, “I hate small talk.”
Most of us can relate. Even the phrase “small talk” suggests something shallow, unimportant, and draining.
So how do we turn small talk into something meaningful?
Dale Carnegie said it best: Become genuinely interested in other people.
Instead of staying on the surface, go a layer deeper. Let curiosity guide you.
If you ask someone, “What brought you to this event?” and they say, “I’m here to learn about this topic,” don’t just nod and move on. Ask:
“Oh, do you work in that field?”
“What’s the best part about doing that kind of work?”
“What’s the most challenging part?”
“Tell me more.”
If it’s a social event and someone mentions where they’re from, go beyond the usual:
“What’s your favorite thing about living there?”
“What’s something someone like me would never know about that place?”
These small shifts take the conversation from transactional to personal. From polite to memorable.
Suddenly, small talk becomes big talk.
And here’s the magic: When you show genuine interest in people, they naturally feel more open, more valued, and more connected to you.You’ll likely walk away with a new friend, a new idea, or a meaningful connection.
Before your next event, take 2 minutes to jot down a few deeper questions. Go in prepared.Go in curious. Make small talk big.