Unlocking the Secrets of Engaging Small Talk

23 Dec 2023 · 1 min

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TJ Walker gives practical advice for improving small-talk skills by intentionally engaging with people you encounter briefly—specifically recommending talking to Uber or cab drivers and asking what they do when not driving. He emphasizes the variety of lives drivers lead (researchers, actors, singers, artists), the low-stakes nature of such interactions (unlikely to see them again), and the pleasant effects on both parties (passes time, brings a smile).

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What's one of the best ways of improving your small talk conversational abilities? The next time you get into an Uber or a cab, don't just automatically stare at your phone and ignore the driver. Instead, ask the driver, what do you do when you're not driving? You might be surprised at what you hear. I've met people driving cars who were doing research on startups, who were actors, who were singers, artists, people doing all sorts of things. Made the time go by faster for me and that person, and it put a smile on their face. The stakes are low. It's not. Not like seeing someone at a party and talking and having to look at them for the next four hours. You're probably never going to see the driver again. There's no agenda, no pressure. Just enjoy talking to another human being. And again.