Speaking at Workplace

Small talks at workplace

Section A: Definition

Small talks mean informal conversations which are usually about unimportant or trivial topics. Although their focuses are not on essential matters, they serve as important ways to build relationships among colleagues in the workplace.

Section B: Purpose

As mentioned above, even though small talks are often based on trivial issues, they have the important function of building rapport with co-workers.

Therefore, during small talks, you should show your interest in the others’ words in order to let them feel that you are really concerned about having the conversations with them and treat these occasions seriously. In this way, you can know your colleagues better, especially new ones who have just joined the workplace.

Section C: Small talk etiquette

1. Start with a neutral topic

Greet someone first and then start with a neutral ice-breaker such as talking about the weather, asking someone how he/she spent the weekend, a recent hot topic, etc.

Don’t ask very personal questions unless you are very familiar with that person.

2. Be welcoming

Always keep an open mind and welcome anyone who is coming to join the conversation. If you can, try to let everyone have the chance to speak. Don’t keep anyone out of the dialogue. In this manner, you can show to your colleagues that you are a very friendly and easy-going person.

3. Be positive and avoid negative comments

During the conversation, try to use positive or neutral words. Don’t make any negative judgments on anyone or any issues about the company. If you do so, it may lead to some unexpected consequences which you are unwilling to bear.

4. Use suitable body language

You need to show the others that you are really interested in having a conversation with them. You can show this by using positive body language, such as having eye contact, having a smile, using good facial expressions, positive gestures and body posture.

Avoid negative body language such as looking over someone’s shoulder or looking away when someone is speaking. Always show your enthusiasm when having the conversation.

5. Avoid controversial topics

Don’t start any topics which may lead to heated arguments, especially those which require the speakers to take a stance such as political topics. If people have opposite stances, they may tend to argue, which will create a very negative atmosphere.

6. Always be polite

Remember to demonstrate your good attitude. Always be respectful and polite during the conversation whether you are listening or speaking.

7. Don’t speak for too long

Remember that you are not the only person who is speaking. You must give the chance to other people to respond, interact with you and show what they want to say. Don’t do the talking just by yourself all the time.

8. Don’t look at your phone

Active listening enables you to show respect. Don’t look at your phone when someone is talking to you. Your full attention is a way to establish good rapport.

9. Remember names

Try to remember the names of all your colleagues. It would be very awkward if you are having a conversation with someone you don’t even know the name of!

Section D: Common questions in different scenarios

The following are suggestions of common questions in some situations in small talks.

1. Opening questions
• Hi! How’s your morning?
• There was a traffic jam when I arrived at the office this morning, so I was a bit late. Did the traffic jam affect you?
• What have you been up to lately?
• Have you been very busy recently?
• How’s your work recently? I’ve heard you’ve taken up a big project!

2. Questions about weather
• It’s raining today. Did you get wet when you arrived at the office this morning?
• Have you brought an umbrella with you today?
• The weather was very good last weekend. What did you do?
• There will be very good weather this weekend. What are you going to do?
• Do you like sunny or rainy days?
• It’s pretty cold these days. Have you brought enough clothes with you?
• Yesterday it was pretty hot, but today it’s suddenly getting cold and wet. I don’t like such changes of weather. Do you?

3. Questions about work
• How’s your work these days?
• Have you got used to working here now?
• I’ve heard that you have been very busy recently. Are you alright?
• I know you have taken up a new task. Is it pretty hard?
• I have been working here for quite a while and I would be very glad to be of help to you. Have you got any questions for me?

4. Questions about travel
• I’ve heard you were in Japan last week. Have you visited Owada Sushi Restaurant? The last time I was there, the food was fabulous.
• Do you like the shopping arcades in Bangkok?
• How was the weather when you were in France?
• The church called Sagrada Familia in Barcelona is fantastic. Did you go there?
• What is your impression of the people of Vietnam?
• Did you feel exhausted after such a long flight from the US last Friday?

5. Questions about food and cooking
• What kind of food/cuisine do you like?
• Do you like making your own food?
• Do you always make the dinner by yourself?
• Who cooks at home?
• Do you often eat out?
• I don’t like spicy food. Do you?
• Is there any kind of food you don’t like?
• There’s a new restaurant down the end of the street. Would like to try it tomorrow lunch?

6. Questions about sports
• What kinds of sports do you like?
• I like playing tennis. Do you?
• Do you like going to the gym?
• I’ve heard you are a good swimmer. How can I train myself to swim so well like you?
• Maybe we can play badminton together when you have time?
• Do you want to learn how to play squash?

7. Questions about leisure activities
• What do you usually do during the weekend?
• Do you like going shopping?
• Do you like going to the cinema or do you prefer watching a film on Netflix?
• Have you been to the Disneyland in Hong Kong?
• Which one do you like more, the Disneyland or Ocean Park?
• Do you like taking photos?
• Do you like going to the beach?

These are just a few questions in some common scenarios. The list goes on forever. Do ask any questions you think suitable when you are having small talks with your colleagues in the workplace.