How to be good at small talks?

make sure you stay current with the weather…

I always just start rambling about whatever pops into my head. Just think of something light, enjoyable, or irritating that the other person is also privy to, or also experienced recently, and make a comment or ask a question about it and go from there.

Ask how someone’s doing, if they’ve seen any good movies or read any good books lately, and what they do for work, hobbies, etc.

Small talk is significantly easier if you ask questions that will allow others to talk about themselves for the majority of the conversation. That way you can just smile, nod, act interested and learn about those around you. By getting a good sense of the interests of people you’re talking to, you can focus on topics that will be well-received by all and won’t leave you feeling uncomfortable or nervous.

http://www.wikihow.com/Make-Small-Talk

This might be a nice article to read.

Go ahead and be silly. Small talk isn’t about being smart or right.

I find that saying anything to keep the other person talking = win.

Never ask questions or make statements that will yield a “yes, no, or maybe” out of them.

I agree with squirbel, don’t ask ‘yes’ or ‘no’ questions, and that is a real trick to master. It is really rewarding. Try to get them to tell a story, let them tell the story, but ask questions along the way. This will show to them that you are a listener and encourages deeper conversation.

*names and conversation used are random and made up.
**this is a dialogue between two people who have seen each other in passing a couple of times and maybe worked on a few projects together, so they aren’t total strangers.
***this is kind of a worst case scenario, given the person you’re trying to small talk with just refuses to offer anything to the conversation.
(On elevator together going from lobby to 22nd floor)

Sam: “So, how’s your day been so far?”
Jack: “Pretty good.”
Sam: “That’s good. Anything interesting happen worth telling about?”
Jack: “Not really.”
Sam: “Oh, ok.” (a few seconds elapse) “How are you liking this cooler weather?”
Jack: “I like it alright.”
Sam: “Haha, cool. I’m not so into it… makes it extremely hard to get out of bed in the morining, especially since I usually get up and run a couple of miles… Are you into exercising?”
Jack: “Kind of.”
Sam: “Awesome! What do you like to do?
Jack: “Usually just some cardio and weight training.”
Sam: “What gym do you use?”
Jack: “Gold’s, the one down on Main Street.”
Sam: “Cool. I’ve heard some pretty good things about that place. I’ll have to check it out.”
(a few more seconds elapse)
Sam: “Hey, have you heard about that new book club started up by Barnes and Noble?”
Jack: “No.”
Sam: “Really? Well, you should check it out sometime if you like a good read. I’ve gotten some excellent recommendations on various novels and articles.”
Jack: “Ok.”
(FINALLY arrive on the 22nd floor)
Sam: “Well, this is my stop. It was nice talking to you! Have a good day!”

Cheers everyone thanks for the great answers

I don’t know, but is everyone sick of talking about the weather?

Always try to ask at least 3 questions about what ever the other person says. Odds are by the time you get to the third question you will be on a roll.