Mindfulness and Conversation:
Mastering the Art of Small Talk
by Maya Frost
How's the weather there?
We use small talk to connect with others in a casual way.
By becoming more mindful of the way we interact with those
we don't know well, we can learn a lot about others and improve
our ability to pay attention.
Small talk isn't a replacement for deeper relationships--
it's the first step toward building them.
We start by being fully present and talking about
what is right there in front of us--the weather,
your client's new car, your neighbor's flowers,
the pictures on the walls in the interviewer's office.
Good small talk indicates:
*Awareness Did you notice that new tattoo, office chair, or pair of shoes?
You can show others that you are paying attention by
mentioning subtle changes.
*Interest Once you've initiated a conversation, focus on LISTENING.
The best conversations are balanced. Don't plan your next question
while the other person is responding to your last one. Pay attention
to what they say, and let that guide you in what you ask next.
*Sensitivity You're trying to build a bridge, not a wall. Look for cues
that let you know how the other person is receiving your comments.
Pay attention to your opportunities to use small talk
to connect with others, and be mindful of the way
you can leverage your words to develop deeper,
more meaningful relationships.
There are thousands of topics you can use to create that bridge.
Keep it light, be aware, and have fun in your conversations,
and before you know it, you'll be one of those people
described as someone who has "never met a stranger."
© 2006-2020 Maya Frost
Please include the following when sharing:
Maya Frost is an author, mindfulness trainer, and creative change strategist.
Learn more at MayaFrost.com
We use small talk to connect with others in a casual way.
By becoming more mindful of the way we interact with those
we don't know well, we can learn a lot about others and improve
our ability to pay attention.
Small talk isn't a replacement for deeper relationships--
it's the first step toward building them.
We start by being fully present and talking about
what is right there in front of us--the weather,
your client's new car, your neighbor's flowers,
the pictures on the walls in the interviewer's office.
Good small talk indicates:
*Awareness Did you notice that new tattoo, office chair, or pair of shoes?
You can show others that you are paying attention by
mentioning subtle changes.
*Interest Once you've initiated a conversation, focus on LISTENING.
The best conversations are balanced. Don't plan your next question
while the other person is responding to your last one. Pay attention
to what they say, and let that guide you in what you ask next.
*Sensitivity You're trying to build a bridge, not a wall. Look for cues
that let you know how the other person is receiving your comments.
Pay attention to your opportunities to use small talk
to connect with others, and be mindful of the way
you can leverage your words to develop deeper,
more meaningful relationships.
There are thousands of topics you can use to create that bridge.
Keep it light, be aware, and have fun in your conversations,
and before you know it, you'll be one of those people
described as someone who has "never met a stranger."
© 2006-2020 Maya Frost
Please include the following when sharing:
Maya Frost is an author, mindfulness trainer, and creative change strategist.
Learn more at MayaFrost.com