How to Make Small Talk

According to Jeffrey Benjamin, how do most friendships begin?

• as a formal introduction

• as small talk

• as an accident

Small talk becomes easy with...

• patience

• parties

• practice

The first tool for small talk is

• be an ice-breaker

• be an ice-bucket

• get some ice

"Be an ice-breaker" means....

• wait for other people to introduce themselves

• twiddle your thumbs

• introduce yourself first

"Take the initiative" probably means...

• be the one who takes action first

• wait for someone else to do something

• be quiet

Taking the initiative communicates to others that...

• you have complaints

• you are shy

• you have confidence

When you introduce yourself first:

• you help those people with shyness

• Make people even shyer

• Make people uncomfotable

When you are in a place like an elevator, the longer you wait to break the ice,,,,

• the more tension builds up

• the quicker the ride

• the more polite you are

Most great small talkers are...

• very rare

• great talkers

• great listeners

Great listeners ...

• never pause after speaking

• run their mouths

• ask great questions