SUMMARY POINTS

  • Small talk plays an important role in work life
  • Fake, shallow and bullshit convos won’t get you anywhere
  • Be genuine and have positive chats before meetings to build bonds
The meeting alert pops up and you see the meeting topic and the person who sent the meeting invite. Before the meeting even begins, you know that the first five to ten minutes will be all about the weather. It’s the same effin’ routine. Every. Single. Time.

Don’t they have anything original to say or ask?

At this point, you just answer and hope this unavoidable pre-meeting can start asap instead of wasting ten minutes blabbing about the rain, heat, cold etc. You have tons of other grunt work that you gotta get done.

Then, there are the meetings and calls with a few favs in the office that you genuinely look forward to. They make you laugh and smile. They brighten up your day.

Between the two, which one would you go the extra mile for?

It’s obvious and shows why genuine informal chit-chat is important in office life.

What Is Small Talk Anyway?

Small talk. Love it or hate it, it’s an inevitable part of office life. There’s no avoiding it. But what if those few minutes of casual chatter about weekend plans or family antics are more impactful than they seem?

Small talk might feel shallow and insignificant, but the reality is that it’s often one of the best ways to make real connections and bond with coworkers. Take a look at a few of the most successful and respected coworkers in your office. Chances are that they got to where they are not solely on their hard skills but also in combination with their soft skills.

This isn’t about playing office politics but more about being a person that others can relate to and connect with.

Small talk isn’t just bullshit filler before meetings and calls. It’s how humans connect. Psychologists often describe small talk as “phatic communication,” a way to establish rapport and ease social friction.

When you share informal fun stuff like your favorite cofftea blend, the new binge-worthy series or last night's game, you come across as a normal down-to-earth and approachable person, not some stuck-up office asshole that everyone hates. You are part of the shared humanity.

This is what small talk is all about. It’s not about business. It’s the fun, personable and relatable stuff.

The Benefits Of Small Talk

You may think that all the pre-meeting chatter is useless but it has benefits. The first and most obvious benefit is how it helps to form positive kick-ass alliances at work. These pay off huge when somebody is trying to throw you under the bus or making your work life a living hell. They will be a valuable resource and support group.

Second, it reduces social barriers. A quick “How’s your day going?” can break the ice and make your coworkers or colleagues feel more at ease. This can be especially helpful for new team members or in situations where people from different departments are meeting for the first time.

Third, it builds solid relationships. Small talk allows you to get to know your fellow office slaves and find common ground. It helps build personal connections that can lead to better teamwork, communication, and support in the workplace - like for the times when your boss doesn’t have your back.

Fourth, it improves office culture. Small talk can contribute to building positive office karma by creating a more relaxed and friendly atmosphere. When everyone feels comfortable with each other, they’re more likely to have fun at work and actually want to come into the office instead of coffee badging and taking off.

Five, it sets the stage for productive meetings. A few minutes of shooting the shit with some casual conversation before diving into the weeds of the project can help people feel more comfortable sharing their thoughts and ideas. It helps people to loosen up and establish a more collaborative atmosphere.

Mastering The Art Of Small Talk

For many people, especially those who are more introverted, small talk doesn’t come naturally. It’s hard for introverts to stand out. The good news is that it’s a soft skill that can be developed with a little practice.

Here are some tips to help you master the art of small talk.

Start With A Smile: Even if they can’t see you, smile. Just the mere act of smiling will make your tone of voice more upbeat. It sets a positive vibe and boosts your personal brand. And if the meeting is via video or in-person, then show those pearly whites.

Be Genuine: While it’s important to be friendly and approachable, don’t force yourself to engage in small talk if you’re not feeling it. People have pretty good bullshit meters these days, so don’t fake it.

Ask Open-Ended Questions: Instead of asking yes or no questions, you gotta ask open-ended questions. This allows the other person to expand and share more. It’s also a great tactic to sound smart in meetings too.

Practice Active Listening: Show genuine interest in what others are saying. Nod, make eye contact, and ask follow-up questions to show you’re engaged. This makes the other person feel that what they’re saying is valued.

Be Empathetic: Put yourself in the other person’s shoes. When someone says, “I barely slept last night” they aren’t just making conversation. They’re seeking empathy. They will appreciate your acknowledgment or understanding.

Stay Positive: It’s way too easy to start venting about work. Why? Because as the saying goes, misery loves company. You don’t want to be known as that guy. Instead, keep topics light and cheerful. You want positive vibes.

Start Chatting It Up & Build Those Bonds

Small talk isn’t just pre-meeting fluff. It’s a powerful way to establish trust, enhance collaboration, and create a more enjoyable and productive office environment. Whether you’re using it to break the ice before a stupid meeting or nurture long-term relationships, these seemingly casual conversations are often the catalyst for bigger opportunities.

Small talk can help you manage work stress, prime your brain for connections and position you as open and approachable. It’s a simple yet powerful tool anyone can use. Don't underestimate the power of a few minutes of friendly chit-chat. It could make all the difference in your work life.

So next time you’re waiting for a meeting to start, don’t be afraid to strike up a conversation on what you’re binge-watching or the new foodie find. Who knows? It might just lead to another work BFF and your next big idea or collaboration.

Feel Better,
[Cubicle|Therapy]

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