Six Tips to Make Small Talk with Anyone

If you're an introvert, like me, then you are probably constantly finding yourself in social situations. Social situations are icky, bothersome, and require extra effort for an introvert - we would just rather sit quietly in a corner, sipping our martinis.

However, sometimes it is important to interact with other people. Extroverts have a difficult time understanding why introverts are so pissy and stand-offish. So in order to survive the human race, once in a while it is good to make small talk. Here are six tips to help facilitate this:

1. Start something, get off your butt. Go talk to someone, anyone. About anything.
2. Look for common interests. Conversation goes so much better when all involved know what is being talked about.
3. Don't get too personal. You've just started this conversation! Nothing can kill it quicker than asking about so-and-so's goiter. Or offering up stories from your visit to the mental hospital.
4. Keep the topics broad. By doing this, you are allowing the creative conversation process to flow. Who knows what interests you may discover in common, or new knowledge you may attain by keeping the flow loose.
5. LISTEN. Don't just keep your mouth shut and formulate a response as the other person is talking. Actually stop and listen.
6. Know when to call it quits. Maybe it's late and he's tired - let him go! Or maybe she is being just a bit too creepy, or he is really crude. Or the conversation turned into religion and politics. Whatever it might be, know when it should be over and politely excuse yourself.

Remember these helpful tidbits next time you're stuck at the workplace Christmas party or Cousin Melvin's Bar Mitzvah. And good luck!